Performance enhancement of a Wells turbine using CFD-optimization algorithms coupling

Abstract

Wells turbine is a popular device for converting wave energy. The current work aims to maximize the power a Wells turbine generates using a response surface optimization method based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The ANSYS software's response surface optimization toolbox was employed in this investigation. The Wells turbine received a performance boost using the variable tip clearance design. Input parameters for the optimization technique included two variable tip clearance design parameters. The major objective of the optimization process was to maximize the torque coefficient (CT) of the Wells turbine. The results showed that the optimal design boosted the average and maximum torque coefficients of the modified Wells turbine by 37.31% and 76.16%, respectively.Furthermore, the improved turbine has a 33.33% wider operating range (OR) than the baseline. At φ equals 0.225, 0.250, and 0.275, the improved Wells turbine's efficiency rose by 19.53%, 71.67%, and 80.38%, respectively. Using the optimal design, 92.2% more power was generated from the modified Wells turbine. Based on a detailed flow analysis, the flow separation zone around the blade tip was reduced, and the optimal variable tip clearance design postponed the stall onset point.