Wells Turbine for Wave Energy Conversion -Effect of Trailing Edge Shape-

Abstract

The present study reported of the use of special shaped blade to reduce the difference in pressure across the Wells turbine for wave energy conversion. The blade profile was composed of NACA0020 airfoils and trailing edge was notched like chevron. Experiments were performed investigating the influence of trailing edge shape on the turbine performance. Four notch depths were used to investigate the effect of depth of cut on the turbine performance. As results, by placing a notch-cut at the trailing edge of the blade, it was possible to reduce the pressure difference across the turbine without lowering the efficiency. In addition, the pressure difference substantially reduced at a constant rate with the increase of the cut ratio.