In-situ demonstration test for tidal current power generation with a helical turbine

Abstract

The kinetic energy of tidal currents by the rhythmicrising and lowering of the water surface can be efficientlyexploited by using tidal current turbines. This study investigatedthe possibility of tidal current power plant with a helical turbinebased on an in-field demonstration test. After 3.0 m diameterhelical turbines were installed in a fast narrow channel on theKorean coastline, the current velocity, torque, rotational speed,power, and other factors were measured. The helical turbine hadan efficiency of 33% at a current velocity of 2.0&#8211 3.4 m/s. Theefficiency of the entire power generating system was 26.7% andnearly constant at current velocities from 2.2 m/s to 3.4 m/s.Thus, it seems that a power generating system using tidalcurrents can produce electric power stably over appropriatecurrent velocity.al turbinebased on an in-field demonstration test. After 3.0 m diameterhelical turbines were installed in a fast narrow channel on theKorean coastline, the current velocity, torque, rotational speed,power, and other factors were measured. The helical turbine hadan efficiency of 33% at a current velocity of 2.0&#8211 3.4 m/s. Theefficiency of the entire power generating system was 26.7% andnearly constant at current velocities from 2.2 m/s to 3.4 m/s.Thus, it seems that a power generating system using tidalcurrents can produce electric power stably over appropriatecurrent velocity.