The accuracy of the actuator disc-RANS approach for predicting the performance and far wake of a horizontal axis tidal stream turbine
Batten, W.M.J., Harrison, M.E. and Bahaj, A.S. (2013) The accuracy of the actuator disc-RANS approach for predicting the performance and far wake of a horizontal axis tidal stream turbine. Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences, 371, (1985) (doi:10.1098/rsta.2012.0293).
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Description/Abstract
The actuator disc-RANS model has been widely used in wind and tidal energy to predict the wake of a horizontal axis turbine. The model is appropriate where large scale effects of the turbine on a flow are of interest, for example, when considering environmental impacts, or arrays of devices. The accuracy of the model for modelling the wake of tidal stream turbines has not been demonstrated, and flow predictions presented in the literature for similar modelled scenarios vary significantly. This paper compares the results of the actuator disc-RANS model, where the turbine forces have been derived using a blade element approach, to experimental data measured in the wake of a scaled turbine. It also compares the results to those of a simpler uniform actuator disc model. The comparisons show that the model is accurate and can predict up to 94\% of the variation in the experimental data measured on the centreline of the wake. The study demonstrates that the actuator-disc RANS model is an accurate approach for modelling a turbine wake, and conservative approach to predict performance and loads. It can therfore applied to similar scenarios with confidence.
Item Type: | Article |
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ISSN: | 1364-503X (print) 1471-2962 (electronic) |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | tidal energy, actuator disc, rans, cfd, wake |
Alternative titles: | Accuracy of the actuator disc-RANS approach |
Subjects: | T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering |
Divisions: | Faculty of Engineering and the Environment > Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering and Science > Energy & Climate Change Group |
ePrint ID: | 334100 |
URI: | eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/334100 |
Deposited On: | 06 Mar 2012 09:50 |
Last Modified: | 29 Jan 2013 14:13 |
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