Abstract
The flow through the air turbine of an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter is reciprocating and is random and highly variable. It is not surprising that the time-averaged efficiency of the air turbine is substantially lower than that of a conventional turbine working in nearly steady conditions. A new type of radial-flow self-rectifying turbine (named here biradial turbine) is described in the paper. The two inlet/outlet openings of the rotor are axially offset from each other and face radially the surrounding space. The turbine is symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The rotor blades are surrounded by a pair of radial-flow guide-vane rows. Each guide vane row is connected to the rotor by an axisymmetric duct whose walls are flat discs. A two-dimensional flow method is used first as a preliminary design tool for the turbine geometry. More detailed numerical results are then obtained with the aid of a commercial three-dimensional real-fluid CFD code, which allows a more refined geometry optimization to be carried out, and yields results for flow details through the turbine and for the turbine overall performance under several operating conditions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
