Experimental study on wake characterization of tidal stream generators with multiple deployments

Abstract

This study visualized the flow speed distribution generated between two tidal stream power generators. A vortex with regularity was generated in the perpendicular direction of the blade rotation direction. It was observed that this could affect up to 10 to 12 times of blade diameter. On the other hand, in the case of the support structure and foundation, the vortex strength was lowered by more than 60%, and it was confirmed that both units had the same effect. In the case of multiple turbines, we chose a row and triangular arrangement. Using the shape parameter, we could see the resulting Gaussian distribution and boundary layer downstream of the tidal turbine. In the future, these results will be used to develop underwater robots for operation and maintenance.