Robust validation of a generalised actuator disk CFD model for tidal turbine analysis using the FloWave ocean energy research facility

Coupled blade element momentum-computational fluid dynamic (BEM-CFD) approaches have been extensively used to study tidal stream turbine performance and wake development. These shown be accurate when compared tests conducted in tow-tanks or regulated flumes with uniform flows across the turbine. Whilst such studies can very useful, it is questionable as what extent results would differ a larger scale environment where flow more representative of real-world conditions, being either unsteady non-uniform. In this work, effectiveness generalised actuator disk-computational dynamics (GAD-CFD) approach accurately capturing fluid-machine interaction for single multiple energy converters models further assessed. A unique large-scale experimental facility, FloWave, has conduct physical testing three instrumented model rotor diameter 1.2 m under differing layouts realistic scaled environmental conditions. provide dataset against which work's numerical simulations validated. Comparisons between tank GAD-CFD show good agreement, particularly comparing modelled measured thrust, enabled an evaluation effects spacing arrangement on flow-field response.