Underwater turbine

Ian · November 1, 2009, 06:13

Hi,

I am considering modelling a tidal turbine in CFX to look at the effect of waves and undertwater turbulence on the blade loads. As a start I think it would be best to seperate the two phenomena and have two models, one for waves and one for turbulence. I would like to use my results in validate a simplier dynamic inflow blade load solver. I had planned to start off looking at simple (non breaking) waves. Due to the computational time I think it may be best to just analyse a couple of wave heights, frequencies and depths.

Has anyone had experience with modelling a transient problem for an underwater turbine? I am just concerned with the time it will take to obtain a solution and whether it is feasible. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

ghorrocks · November 1, 2009, 06:51

I would be very surprised if anyone else on the forum has modelled this type of turbine. But you never know your luck.

As for whether the model is feasible - this obviously depends on the resources you have available (both computational and your time and skill) and the importance of the results. If your model identifies a key design parameter which has otherwise been missed then it is likely your models will be very useful. But in my experience, to get a complex model to a point where it is a useful design tool requires time, attention to detail and a good knowledge of the physics of what is going on. So start simple and validate each extra bit you add along the way with experimental or analytical results.

November 1, 2009, 06:13	Underwater turbine	#1
Ian New Member Ian Milne Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Auckland, NZ Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Hi, I am considering modelling a tidal turbine in CFX to look at the effect of waves and undertwater turbulence on the blade loads. As a start I think it would be best to seperate the two phenomena and have two models, one for waves and one for turbulence. I would like to use my results in validate a simplier dynamic inflow blade load solver. I had planned to start off looking at simple (non breaking) waves. Due to the computational time I think it may be best to just analyse a couple of wave heights, frequencies and depths. Has anyone had experience with modelling a transient problem for an underwater turbine? I am just concerned with the time it will take to obtain a solution and whether it is feasible. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

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November 1, 2009, 06:51		#2
ghorrocks Super Moderator Glenn Horrocks Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,870 Rep Power: 144	I would be very surprised if anyone else on the forum has modelled this type of turbine. But you never know your luck. As for whether the model is feasible - this obviously depends on the resources you have available (both computational and your time and skill) and the importance of the results. If your model identifies a key design parameter which has otherwise been missed then it is likely your models will be very useful. But in my experience, to get a complex model to a point where it is a useful design tool requires time, attention to detail and a good knowledge of the physics of what is going on. So start simple and validate each extra bit you add along the way with experimental or analytical results.