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Modelling and testing the vertical axis, impulse rotor tidal power pontoon

Hardisty, Jack

Authors

Jack Hardisty



Abstract

The specification of a new tidal power pontoon is described. The device consists of a 500kW asynchronous generator connected through gearbox and drive shaft to a twelve bladed, vertical axis rotor 4.00m x 4.00m mounted at the impact point of a jet in a symmetrical Bernoulli duct beneath a 16.00 m x 10.00m pontoon. Analytical models are developed for (1) the flow through the duct, (ii) the torque and speed of the rotor and (iii) the efficiency as functions of the device's dimensions and the tidal current speed. Results from computational fluid dynamic simulations confirm the principles of the theory and emphasise the importance of the duct as both accelerator and diffuser. The overall efficiency is shown to depend upon the tip speed ratio of the blade to the Jet velocities. Results from laboratory experiments with a 1/40(th) scale model in a unidirectional flume support the theoretical considerations, provide empirical relationships for the device's efficiency as a function of the jet Reynolds Number and confirm that the optimum TSR lies in the range 0.45-050.

Citation

Hardisty, J. (2008). Modelling and testing the vertical axis, impulse rotor tidal power pontoon. Proceedings of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology. Part A, Journal of marine engineering and technology, 15 - 23

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 30, 2008
Publication Date Apr 30, 2008
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal JOURNAL OF MARINE ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Print ISSN 1476-1548
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Issue A11
Article Number K007
Pages 15 - 23
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/391226