MScE Defence - Finley Corbett - Mechanical Engineering - FR

Event date(s): February 03, 2025
Time(s): 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

For optimal tidal energy extraction using a traditional horizontal axis turbine, it is desirable to maximize electrical power output and minimize thrust loads. This research attempts to contribute to both factors by parametrically investigating the influence a co-rotating hub retrofit has on the hydrodynamics of an existing horizontal axis tidal turbine using Computations Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In addition to assessing hub retrofit performance, goals of this project include building a Blade Element Momentum (BEM) model for the unmodified turbine geometry, generating a CFD workflow, and outlining the retrofit-induced hydrodynamic mechanisms involved for future studies to use. In general, poor aerodynamic performance exists at the root of traditional wind and tidal turbines due to the local low lift to drag ratio. Theorized possibilities for root power improvement by using this retrofit design are independent torque generation, passively guiding the flow onto higher radial regions of the blades, and delaying boundary layer separation at the root. To address the desired consequence of thrust mitigation, an investigation into how the retrofit reduces turbine loading is also conducted.
Within the parametric space of the 21 high-fidelity simulations performed, it was concluded the net effect of the retrofit did not improve power generation, and only reduced thrust marginally for four cases. However, isolated torque on the primary blades did improve by a maximum of 3.15%, but the added negative torque caused by the retrofit resulted in a reduction in power of 1.75%. For thrust, a maximum reduction of 0.21% was observed. Primary blade load influence after the retrofit was added was caused by the retrofit tip vortex, the retrofit lower surface pressure decrease, and the increase in horseshoe vortex strength at the root to hub junction.

Building: Head Hall

Room Number: 224