A literature review on wake dissipation length of hydrokinetic turbines as a guide for turbine array configuration. (1st September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nago, Victorien Gerardo; Santos, Ivan Felipe Silva dos; Gbedjinou, Michael Jourdain; Mensah, Johnson Herlich Roslee; Tiago Filho, Geraldo Lucio; Camacho, Ramiro Gustavo Ramirez; Barros, Regina Mambeli
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 259(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-01
• Subjects: Hydrokinetic generation -- Hydrokinetic wake -- Literature review -- Wake dissipation length and wake estimates; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2022.111863
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: One of the main hydrodynamic phenomena in hydrokinetic turbine operation is the formation of a spiral movement after the flow passes through the rotor, which is known as the wake. Understanding these wakes is fundamental for arranging the distribution of turbines in a hydrokinetic energy project. In this context, this study has two purposes: i) to review studies involving hydrokinetic turbines wakes, obtaining data on wake dissipation length; and ii) evaluate the possibility of elaborating an equation to estimate wake dissipation length using the collected data. In order to propose the equation, the wake dissipation length was related to the turbine velocity and diameter using deviation minimization methods. The literature surveys revealed the scarcity of experimental studies on river hydrokinetic turbine wakes. Additionally, the dissipation lengths obtained in the considered investigations vary greatly, thus indicating the influence of numerous factors over this phenomenon. The correlation results serve as an introduction to this theme and as a basis for future developments. Highlights: Studies involving hydrokinetic turbine wake length were reviewed. A second row of turbines can reduce the distance for new turbines insertion. The use of turbines at the maximum efficiency point reduces the wake length. Correlations between wake lenght and influencing factors were evaluated.