Design and Numerical Simulation of a Small Scale Helical Cross Flow Turbine

Abstract

Crossflow turbines are a relatively old technology that is recently becoming an emerging research topic. This is due to the immense potential kinetic power that exists in ocean currents, rivers, and places with high wind patterns. The following paper examines the design of a helical crossflow turbine to be implemented in water. The turbine was based on the Gorlov Helical turbine and the turbine was designed so that minimum torque fluctuations occur. The best suited turbine configuration was selected based on governing principles such as blade wrap ratio and helix angle. Numerical modelling was conducted by means of a double multiple streamtube model and experimental data was extrapolated to use as a form of validation of the model.