Field performance assessment of a hydrokinetic turbine. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cavagnaro, Robert J.; Polagye, Brian
• Is Part Of: International journal of marine energy. Volume 14(2016)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Tidal turbine -- Hydrokinetic -- Power take-off -- Dynamometry -- Component efficiency; Ocean energy resources -- Periodicals; Marine resources -- Periodicals; 333.9164
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijome.2016.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1669

Abstract

Highlights: Performance of a high-solidity cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine is determined. System efficiency is shown to depend on the variable performance of a generator. Laboratory dynamometry can be used to characterize component efficiency. Lab testing emulates the steady-state performance of the field-tested turbine. Power take-off characterization minimizes number of required field measurements. Abstract: A cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine with a projected area (product of blade span and rotor diameter) of 0.7 m 2 is evaluated in open-water tow trials at three inflow speeds ranging from 1.0 m/s to 2.1 m/s. Measurements of the inflow velocity, the rotor mechanical power, and electrical power output of a complete power take-off (PTO) system are utilized to determine the rotor hydrodynamic efficiency (maximum of 17%) and total system efficiency (maximum of 9%). A lab-based dynamometry method yields individual component and total PTO efficiencies, shown to have high variability and strong influence on total system efficiency. The method of tow-testing is found effective, and when combined with PTO characterization, steady-state performance can be inferred solely from inflow velocity and turbine rotation rate.