ReDAPT - Development of a CFD Model of the TGL Turbine at the EMEC Site - Presentation at OEE Dublin 2015

Abstract:

One of the key developments of the marine energy industry in the UK is the demonstration of near commercial scale devices in real sea conditions and the collection of performance and environmental data to inform permitting and licensing processes. The ETI's ReDAPT (Reliable Data Acquisition Platform for Tidal) project saw an innovative 1MW buoyant tidal generator installed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney in January 2013. The project demonstrated the performance of the tidal generator in different operational conditions, aiming to increase public and industry confidence in tidal turbine technologies by providing a wide range of environmental impact and performance information, as well as demonstrating a new, reliable turbine design.

This presentation by The University of Manchester describes development of a CFD model of the TGL turbine and a detailed study of transient flow and loads. It covers:

• MD1: Development of a CFD model of the TGL turbine at the EMEC site.
• Methods:
  • Sliding Mesh Method developed for RANS and LES
  • Synthetic Eddy Method used to represent depth profile of mean and unsteady flow
  • LES with sliding mesh method and SEM inflow to predict 1 MW turbine loads
• Findings
  • Accurate prediction of power and thrust
  • Measured shear significantly affects cyclic blade loading
  • LES with SEM inflow predicts blade root bending moment affecting fatigue design
• Aim Achieved: To establish capability of CFD for unsteady load prediction in realistic flows
• Lessons and Next Steps

Author(s):

Stallard, T., Stansby, P., Apsley, D., Afgan, I., Ahmed, U., Rolfo, S. and McNaughton, J.