Numerical and Experimental Study of the Interaction between two Marine Current Turbines

Type Article
Date 2013-04
Language English
Author(s) Mycek Paul1, 2, Gaurier BenoitORCID2, Germain GregoryORCID2, Pinon Gregory1, Rivoalen Elie1, 3
Affiliation(s) 1 : Université du Havre, Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes, UMR 6294, CNRS– 53, rue de Prony, BP 540, F-76058 Le Havre Cedex, France
2 : IFREMER, Marine Structures Laboratory, 150, quai Gambetta, BP 699, F-62321 Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France
3 : INSA de Rouen, Laboratoire d’Optimisation et Fiabilité en Mécanique des Structures, EA 3828, Avenue de l’Université, BP 08, F-76801 Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France
Source International Journal of Marine Energy (2214-1669) (Elsevier Ltd), 2013-04 , Vol. 1 , P. 70-83
DOI 10.1016/j.ijome.2013.05.007
Keyword(s) Marine current turbine, Array, Interaction effects, Vortex method, Laser Doppler Velocimetry
Abstract The understanding of interaction effects between marine energy converters represents the next step in the research process that should eventually lead to the deployment of such devices. Although some a priori considerations have been suggested recently, very few real condition studies have been carried out concerning this issue. Trials were run on 1/30 th scale models of three-bladed marine current turbine prototypes in a flume tank. The present work focuses on the case where a turbine is placed at different locations in the wake of a first one. The interaction effects in terms of performance and wake of the second turbine are examined and compared to the results obtained on the case of one single turbine. Besides, a three-dimensional software, based on a vortex method is currently being developed, and will be used in the near future to model more complex layouts. The experimental study shows that the second turbine is deeply affected by the presence of an upstream device and that a compromise between individual device performance and inter-device spacing is necessary. Numerical results show good agreement with the experiment and are promising for the future modelling of turbine farms.
Full Text
File Pages Size Access
Author's final draft 16 1 MB Open access
14 1 MB Access on demand
Top of the page