Abstract
In this study, the effect of 3-dimensional blade on the turbine characteristics of Wells turbine for wave energy conversion has been investigated experimentally by model testing under steady flow conditions, in order to improve the stall characteristics and the peak efficiency. The aim of 3-dimensional blade is to prevent flow separation on the suction surface near tip. The chord length is constant with radius and the blade profile changes gradually from mean radius to tip. The blade profiles are NACA0015 from hub to mean radius and NACA0025 at tip in this study. The performances of Wells turbine with 3-dimensional blades has been compared with those of original Wells turbine, i.e., the turbine with 2-dimensional blades. As a result, it was concluded that the peak efficiency of Wells turbine can be improved by the use of the proposed 3-dimensional blade.
