Numerical Study on Comparison of Steady Performance between Impulse and Wells Turbine for Wave Energy Conversion

Abstract

In order to optimize the structure of impulse turbine and Wells turbine, the designs of end plate and ring are proposed and studied numerically to improve their operating characteristics in this paper. Numerical models are created using a CFD code FLUENT, and validated by corresponding experimental results. Results show that the design of end plate is superior to ring. Compared to original turbines, the efficiencies are increased relatively by 30% for impulse turbine and 25%for Wells turbine. Meanwhile, the positive and negative effects of end plate and ring are analyzed respectively, and described visually with the contours of pressure on the rotor blade.FD code FLUENT, and validated by corresponding experimental results. Results show that the design of end plate is superior to ring. Compared to original turbines, the efficiencies are increased relatively by 30% for impulse turbine and 25%for Wells turbine. Meanwhile, the positive and negative effects of end plate and ring are analyzed respectively, and described visually with the contours of pressure on the rotor blade.