Numerical simulation of fluid dynamic performance of turbulent flow over Hunter turbine with variable angle of blades

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to simulate Hunter turbine in Computer Forensic Examiner (CFX) environment dynamically. For this purpose, the turbine is designed in desired dimensions and simulated in ANSYS software under a specific fluid flow rate. The obtained values were then compared with previous studies for different values of angles (θ and α). The amount of validation error were obtained. Design/methodology/approach In this research, at first, the study of fluid flow and then the examination of that in the tidal turbine and identifying the turbines used for tidal energy extraction are performed. For this purpose, the equations governing flow and turbine are thoroughly investigated, and the computational fluid dynamic simulation is done after numerical modeling of Hunter turbine in a CFX environment. Findings The failure results showed; 11.25% for the blades to fully open, 2.5% for blades to start, and 2.2% for blades to close completely. Also, results obtained from three flow coefficients, 0.36, 0.44 and 0.46, are validated by experimental data that were in high-grade agreement, and the failure value coefficients of (0.44 and 0.46) equal (0.013 and 0.014), respectively. Originality/value In this research, at first, the geometry of the Hunter turbine is discussed. Then, the model of the turbine is designed with SolidWorks software. An essential feature of SolidWorks software, which was sorely needed in this project, is the possibility of mechanical clamping of the blades. The validation is performed by comparing the results with previous studies to show the simulation accuracy. This research’s overall objective is the dynamical simulation of Hunter turbine with the CFX. The turbine was then designed to desired dimensions and simulated in the ANSYS software at a specified fluid flow rate and verified, which had not been done so far.