Performance analysis of 200kW tidal current power turbine with pre-deformed blades

The importance and understanding of renewable energy has increased even more after the nuclear power plant accident in Japan four years ago. Among the various renewable energy sources, tidal current power is recognized as the most promising energy source in terms of predictability and reliability. In general, a tidal current power turbine has two or three blades that are subjected to hydrodynamic loads during operation. The blades are continuously deformed by various incoming flow velocities. Depending on the flow velocity, blade size, and material properties, the deformation rates can be different, which could affect the performance of the turbine and its power rate. Since deformed blades can decrease the performance of the turbine, the power generation could be affected accordingly. We examined design criteria of a tidal current turbine, and the results of a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the finite element method (FEM). Since pre-deformed blades can be used to optimize the blade geometry for operating conditions, this concept could contribute to the performance enhancement and commercialization of tidal turbines.