Experiments on line arrays of horizontal-axis hydroturbines. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okulov, V.L.; Naumov, I.V.; Kabardin, I.K.; Litvinov, I.V.; Markovich, D.M.; Mikkelsen, R.F.; Sørensen, J.N.; Alekseenko, S.V.; Wood, D.H.
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 163(2021)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Horizontal-axis hydroturbines -- Hydrofarm -- Linearray -- Power stabilization; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Utility-scale projects for hydrokinetic energy extraction from rivers, tidal or ocean currents could include tens to hundreds of turbines in densely-packed hydro farms. The aim of the present paper is to obtain a better understanding of the power production and wakes generated by several devices modeling a straight array of horizontal-axis water turbines in a hydro farm. To accomplish this, stereo particle image velocimetry experiments were carried out to measure the flow properties upstream and downstream of the devices in the array including up to four elements. The study also provides measured values of power and thrust coefficients of the model turbines using strain gauges installed directly on the rotor shaft. The current laboratory experiments provide data on the efficiency of water turbines in arrays or in a hydro farm arranged in a single line. Highlights: This paper focuses on an interference of wind or hydrokinetic turbines in line. A steady maximizing output after the second turbine in the line has been established. This line arrangement is the most appropriate generic one for the turbines in rivers. The PIV measurements of the wake of the farthest downstream turbine also are unique. These measurements may be of great value for an optimization of wind farms too.