Air-Turbine with Self-Pitch-Controlled Blades for Wave Power Generator : Estimation of Performance by Model Testing

Abstract

In order to develop an air-turbine with self-pitch-controlled blades for wave power utility, experimental investigations have been performed by model testing of turbine rotors with fixed staggered blades under steady operating conditions. Twelve kinds of rotors have been manufactured and tested to investigate the effect of setting angle, thickness/chord ratio, aspect ratio and solidity on the turbine performance. The results have shown that the self-pitch-controlled turbine is superior to the wells turbine both in starting and running characteristics. A suitable choice of the design factors has been suggested.