Simulations of Intracycle Angular Velocity Control for a Cross-Flow Turbine

Abstract: Straight-bladed cross-flow turbines are computationally explored for harvesting energy in wind and water currents. One challenge for cross-flow turbines is the transient occurrence of high apparent angles of attack on the blades that reduces efficiency due to flow separation. This paper explores kinematic manipulation of the apparent angle of attack through intracycle control of the angular velocity. Using an unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) model at moderate Reynolds numbers, the kinematics and associated flow physics are explored for confined and unconfined configurations. The computations demonstrate an increase in turbine efficiency up to 54%, very closely matching the benefits shown by previous intracycle control experiments. Simulations display the time-evolution of angle of attack and flow velocity relative to the blade, which are modified with sinusoidal angular velocity such that the peak torque generation aligns with the peak angular velocity. With optimal kinematics in a confined flow there is minimal flow separation during peak power generation, however there is a large trailing edge vortex (TEV) shed as the torque decreases. The unconfined configuration has more prominent flow separation and is more susceptible to Reynolds number, resulting in a 41% increase in power generation under the same kinematic conditions as the confined flow.