Impulse turbine with self-pitch-controlled guide vanes for wave power generator. Estimation of performance by model testing.

Abstract

In order to extract a wave power efficiently in a reciprocating flow, a new version of an impulse air turbine with a self-pitch-controlled guide vane is developed. The basic data of the turbine are obtained by a model testing of a turbine rotor with fixed guide vanes under steady and sinusoidal flow conditions. A series of experiments has been executed to clarify the effects of the rotor pitch to chord ratio, guide vane geometry, rotor geometry, and guide vane configuration on the performance. The results are compared with that of a Well turbine. It is clarified that the impulse turbine with self-pitch-controlled guide vanes is superior to a Wells turbine in efficiency and starting characteristics. Furthermore, a suitable choice of design factors is suggested.