Abstract
The present work investigates structural response of tidal stream turbine blades subjected to impact loads from sea animals. A full-scale tidal turbine blade model was developed using a finite element modelling software ABAQUS, while a simplified geometry of an adult killer whale (Orcinus orca) was assumed in simulating impact on the blade. The foil profiles along the turbine blade were based on the NACA 63-8XX series, while the geometric and material properties of the sea animal were calibrated with experimental results. The numerical model simulated the dynamic response of the blade, accounting for radial velocities of the blade corresponding to real life scenarios. Different magnitudes and trajectories of the velocity vector of the sea animal were simulated, in order to investigate their influence on the turbine blade’s plastic deformation. Furthermore, multiple impacts were analysed, in order to monitor the accumulation of plastic strain in the material of the blade. Finally, the potential application of stainless steel material in tidal stream turbine blades for impact resistance was evaluated, through comparison of numerical results obtained from models using stainless steel and mild carbon steel materials.
Highlights
Global demand for clean energy production is constantly increasing, aiming to replace fossil fuels consumption
The blade was assumed fixed at the centre of the rotor, while a velocity was applied to the killer whale, impacting the blade
A full-scale tidal turbine blade was modelled, investigating its dynamic response under impact loading with an adult killer whale
Summary
Global demand for clean energy production is constantly increasing, aiming to replace fossil fuels consumption. The most common configuration for a tidal turbine device is a three-bladed horizontal axis turbine Accounting for this configuration, several experimental and numerical studies have been conducted, in order to investigate the power generation and thrust of marine current turbines. The constantly increasing need of electricity generation from tidal turbines leads to application of turbines in long rows normal to the mean flow direction or in multiple rows, such as arrays These configurations of turbines have shown to affect significantly the hydrodynamic characteristics, development and interaction of the wake field of tidal current turbines within the array [12,13,14]. Grear [21] performed extensive experimental tests to characterize the material properties of tissues, based on different kinds of marine mammals, and presented numerical results to identify the damage on the sea animal, using geometrically simplified tidal turbine blades and sea animals. The effect of multiple impacts on the plastic strain accumulation is presented
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
