Session: 09-08-02: Tidal Energy: Nozzles and Ducts

Submission Number: 156102

Numerical Investigation of Rotor Aspect Ratio Effects on an Augmented Drag-Based Hydrokinetic Turbine Performance 

Hydropower plays a crucial role in achieving energy transition goals by providing a renewable and reliable source of electricity.  It helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.  However, conventional hydropower plants, such as dams, faces challenges, including negative environmental, social, and economic impacts.  Consequently, hydropower generated by hydrokinetic turbines (HKTs) are gaining interest as a sustainable alternative.  This study investigates the effect of aspect ratio to the performance of a drag-based Savonius HKT, aiming to identify the optimal ratio for enhanced power output. Numerical simulations are conducted by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with k-⍵ SST turbulence model.  A parametric study is performed on five aspect ratio configurations ranging from 0.5 – 1.5.  Torque and power coefficients are derived to assess the HKT’s performance.  The results indicate that aspect ratio influences the power and torque coefficients of the HKT.  An increase in aspect ratio enhances the peak power coefficient, thereby contributing to more effective energy conversion. This trend emphasizes the potential to optimize the HKT performance by adjusting the aspect ratio to achieve greater efficiency. Overall, the findings show the impact of aspect ratio on HKT performance and provide insights for optimizing turbine design for enhanced energy output and deployment feasibility.

Presenting Author: Cheng Yee Ng Universiti Technologi PETRONAS, Malaysia

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Cheng Yee Ng is the Head of the Research Centre for Smart Infrastructure Modeling & Monitoring and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia. She specializes in offshore engineering and renewable energy, with a focus on sustainable solutions like marine hydrokinetic turbines and carbon capture systems. Dr. Ng is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to international research projects and is involved in various professional communities. She is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practical applications in sustainable infrastructure through her research efforts.