The use of energy from currents with an impulse hydro-generator

Abstract

This work presents the specifics of the design process and results of the initial tests of a hydro-generator for use in oceanic currents. The device is an impulse hydro-generator, which is a flow-driven turbine with a floating vertical axis. Its design has gone from conceptualization (based on previous works) to the construction of models and initial function tests. The geometric design of the frame that houses the rotors was tested with an experimental installation. These tests produced thrust and lift coefficients to calibrate and characterize the flow through the hydro-generator with numerical simulations using the PHOENICS computation tool. This tool also verified the optimal functioning of the frame. A second group of tests carried out in an irrigation canal showed the advantage of using a helical Savonius rotor with four blades, which enables using relatively low velocity flow conditions. The results from the numerical model showed a good fit with experimental results in terms of the construction of this device being viable for locations with current velocities over 1 m/s.