Hydrodynamic Study on Energy Capturing Performance of Horizontal Axis Blades Under Sub-Low Speed Tidal Current

Abstract

The research on the hydrodynamics of blades is mainly focused on sea areas with high-speed current. However, the average velocity in most territorial waters of China is smaller than 1 m/s, and the lift type of airfoil blades has limited application in most of these conditions. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the tidal current energy capture of blades in sub-low speed sea areas. The effect of flow impact resistance on the blade at sub-low current speed is considered and a new type of thin-walled blade based on the lift type of blade is proposed, and then the lift-impact combined hydrodynamic model of horizontal axis blade is established. Based on this model, and considering the characteristics of tidal current and velocity in the sea area of Yushan Islands, simulation and optimization of blade design are carried out. Additionally, the horizontal axis thin-walled blade and the NACA airfoil contrast blade under the same conditions are developed. By using a synthetical experimental test system, the power, torque, rotational speed and load characteristics of these two blades are tested. The performance of the thin-walled blade and the design theory are verified. It shows that this type of blade has much better energy capture efficiency in the sub-low speed sea area. This research will promote the study and development of turbines that can be used in low- speed current sea areas in the future.