Design of an underwater tidal turbine

Abstract

A turbine is a machine with main function transforming the kinetic energy of a moving fluid to useful electrical energy directly to our households and institutions. The project is about designing an underwater tidal turbine, the study consisted of: • Choosing the blade type, blade profile and parameters. • Knowing the properties and effect of the surrounding fluid. • Perform a CFD and a FEA. • Improve the design if needed. The goal of this study is to investigate the power output from a tidal turbine as a function of the velocity striking the leading edge of the blade, wave effect and material used. Work has started on this project in spring 2013. The team didnt have any idea about the type of problems and difficulties that show up every day. But using all the facilities and support that the university and the faculty provide, work proceeded until the end.