Hybrid cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine: Computational analysis for performance characteristics with helical Savonius blade angle of 135°

Abstract

Hybrid hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) performance can be maximized with the right design and flow characteristics, but they can only be determined through a methodical process. Specifically, a computational study of modified hybrid HKT has been conducted, considering the design factors (attachment angle; radius ratio) as well as the water flow speed. The computational analysis is performed on the different configurations of hybrid HKT under different flow parameters. The computational findings showed that these factors have an effect on the overall performance characteristics of hybrid cross-flow HKT. The hybrid HKT model performs optimally at a combination of parameters with attachment angle = 60°, v = 0 .5 m/s, radius ratio = 0.4, and TSR value = 0.9. It was also determined that compared to the models with a radius ratio of 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8, this hybrid HKT model is 40 %, 1.46 %, and 20.49 % more effective. The chaotic behaviour of flow across the rotor has also been visualized.

Keywords

• Hybrid cross-flow
• Radius ratio
• Attachment angle
• Computational fluid dynamics