Output Power Improvement of Bi-directional Impulse Turbine with Flow Collector for Tidal Energy Conversion

Abstract

The bi-directional impulse turbine and the bi-directional flow collector for tidal energy conversion is investigated in this paper. The bi-directional impulse turbine with fixed guide vanes is adopted because the turbine has a large efficiency. The turbine characteristics of the combined system of impulse turbine and collector are investigated by using the water tunnel. This system is proved to produce the power by a tidal flow experimentally. Three types of collector A, B and C are investigated, where the maximum radius of collector A is the smallest, and collector B has a straight part and a semicircular brim part. In addition, the effect of hub-to-tip ratio on the performance of the turbine system is investigated.