Probabilistic evaluation of cavitation inception on rotor blades of tidal stream turbines

Leon Chernin, Dimitry V Val, Ping Dong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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Abstract

A number of technologies are currently under development for conversion of the kinetic energy of tidal currents into electricity. One of them is based on the use of horizontal axes turbines with propeller-type blades. During the operation of such a turbine its blades induce pressure fluctuations in seawater which may lead to cavitation. Depending on its extent and severity cavitation may damage the blades through erosion of the blade surface, and therefore needs to be avoided or at least limited. The paper presents a method for evaluation of the
probability of cavitation inception on blades of a horizontal axis tidal stream turbine. Uncertainties associated with tidal current velocities and water depths
above the turbine blades are taken into account. It is shown how using the probabilistic analysis the expected time of exposure of the blade surfaces to cavitation can be estimated. In order to decide what actions (if any) are needed to limit cavitation inception a model the blade surface damage due to cavitation is needed that is briefly discussed in the paper.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 11th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
PublisherEWTEC
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2015
Event11th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference 2015 - Nantes, France
Duration: 6 Sept 201511 Sept 2015

Conference

Conference11th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference 2015
Abbreviated titleEWTEC 2015
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityNantes
Period6/09/1511/09/15

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