Comparative Analysis of Vortex Field Measurement Around MHK Turbine Blades Using PIV and CFD Techniques

Abstract Cross-flow turbines have been recently re-discovered in the fields of wind and tidal energy thanks to the high power density they can provide when arranged in arrays. In this paper, we investigate the mechanism of torque generation and maintenance of a pair of miniature Marine Hydrokinetic Turbines via Particle Image Velocimetry, providing new insights on the influence of vortex shedding onto the lift generation process. The velocity field around the blades was measured for two different tip speed ratios and across various configurations of the devices, to then evaluate the forces involved by performing a momentum balance over moving control volumes. Our findings suggest that a lift force was first generated, in line with the airfoil theory, by the flow acceleration on the inner surface of the blade, and was subsequently maintained after the onset of dynamic stall by the low pressure associated with a leading-edge vortex. Furthermore, increases in tip speed ratio and blockage effect were observed to positively impact vortex strength and torque production. The results were compared with two-dimensional CFD studies for the purpose of validating the control volume method for torque estimation, as well as discussing and quantifying the 3D effect.