Author(s): Hao Chen; Jisheng Zhang; Yakun Guo; Dawei Guan
Linked Author(s): Yakun Guo
Keywords: Vertical-axis tidal turbine flow intensity tip clearance tip speed ratio water depth scour characteristics
Abstract: Amid the ongoing advancement of clean energy and the increasing demand for environmentally friendly power generation, vertical-axis tidal turbines have become a crucial technical choice in hydropower. This is due to their ability to adapt to complex flow environments and low-velocity water areas. Consequently, studying the scour characteristics around vertical-axis tidal turbines under unidirectional flow is essential for assessing the stability and operational safety of their foundations. In this study, physical model experiments are conducted to analyze the effects of flow intensity, tip clearance, tip speed ratio, and water depth on the development of scour around the foundation and the resulting equilibrium scour topography. The impact of rotor operation on foundation erosion is also assessed by comparing the scour patterns around a monopile foundation without turbine structure. The results indicate that the maximum scour depth and the extent of scour around the foundation increase with higher flow intensity and tip speed ratio, but decrease with greater tip clearance and water depth. Additionally, it is found that rotor rotation significantly exacerbates scour around the foundation.
Year: 2025