CFD Validation of Moment Balancing Method on Drag-Dominant Tidal Turbines (DDTTs)

Current performance analysis processes for drag-dominant tidal turbines are unsuitable as disk actuator theory lacks support varying swept blockage area, bypass flow downstream interaction, and parasitic rotor drag, whereas blade element momentum is computably effective three-blade lift-dominated aerofoil. This study proposes a novel technique to calculate the optimal turbine tip speed ratio (TSR) with cost-effective user-friendly moment balancing algorithm. A reliable dynamic TSR matrix was developed rotational speeds fluid velocities, unlike previous works simulated at fixed velocity. Thrust idle moments introduced functions of inlet velocity speed, respectively. The quadratic relationships verified through regression analysis, net equations established. Rotational predictor Pinwheel’s moment, while thrust both models. (Cp, TSR) values Pinwheel Savonius were (0.223, 2.37) (0.63, 0.29), respectively, within an acceptable error range experimental validation. aims improve prevailing industry practices by enhancing engineer’s understanding design adjusting suit case compared ‘trial error’ cost-intensive simulations.