Investigation of tidal turbine array performance using computational fluid dynamics in the presence of waves

Abstract

Tidal turbine arrays have undergone extensive research to determine the optimal spacing for efficient performance and reduced wake generation. Small-scale laboratory tests are typically conducted to analyze wake structures prior to deployment. These tests often result in conditions of extreme blockage due to channel narrowing in comparison to turbine size. The primary objective of this study is to investigate flow behavior around turbines under blockage conditions and their performance close to the free surface, both in current-only and wave-and-current scenarios. The methodology employed a combination of blade element momentum theory and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) integrating a virtual blade model (VBM) code. The findings of this study indicate potential enhancements in tidal turbine array performance of up to 7% in lateral arrangements and 11% in streamwise arrangements under blockage conditions. The wake is significantly influenced by surface waves, which also contribute to increased downstream turbine performance.