CFD optimization of a vertical axis water turbine

Project details

For a Dutch technology developer, DynaSim has provided engineering support for the development and optimization of a 100 kW vertical axis turbine for tidal energy generation.

The turbine is installed at one end of a conduit connecting a canal to the sea, resulting in complex flow conditions that affect turbine performance.

DynaSim contributed the following:

• Developed a CFD model of the conduit system with and without the turbine
• Performed time-domain simulations of turbine performance
• Calculated force distributions and power curves
• Provided design improvement advice
• Design of a new pitch control system

This work contributes to a more robust design and improved operational efficiency.