Performance characterization of a cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine in sheared inflow. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forbush, Dominic; Polagye, Brian; Thomson, Jim; Kilcher, Levi; Donegan, James; McEntee, Jarlath
• Is Part Of: International journal of marine energy. Volume 16(2016)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Performance characterization -- Resource assessment -- Turbulence -- Cross-flow turbines -- Sheared inflow; Ocean energy resources -- Periodicals; Marine resources -- Periodicals; 333.9164
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijome.2016.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1669

Abstract

Highlights: Mean flow at the deployment site is synoptic on the order of days to weeks. Mean flow at the deployment site is strongly laterally sheared. Spatial–temporal averaging of synoptic flow yields a robust performance curve. In some control schemes, performance is sensitive to shear profile. Performance is markedly improved over uniform inflow test. Abstract: A method for constructing a non-dimensional performance curve for a cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine in sheared flow is developed for a natural river site. The river flow characteristics are quasi-steady, with negligible vertical shear, persistent lateral shear, and synoptic changes dominated by long time scales (days to weeks). Performance curves developed from inflow velocities measured at individual points (randomly sampled) yield inconclusive turbine performance characteristics because of the spatial variation in mean flow. Performance curves using temporally- and spatially-averaged inflow velocities are more conclusive. The implications of sheared inflow are considered in terms of resource assessment and turbine control.