Simulation of rotor-foundation-interaction on tidal current turbines with computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

In this research the interaction of the rotor hydrodynamics with the foundation of a Tidal Energy Converter (TEC) are investigated. A detailed model of the turbine is built up and simulated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The results of these simulations are used to compare the 4 load states of up- and downstream, below and above rated operation with respect to the rotor performance coefficients. The paper concludes with a comparison to results of simplified models and shows that the interaction can be simulated by an empirical approach.