Development of Lagrangian numerical models for the simulation of the behavior of tidal turbines

Overview & Synopsis

In the current context of diversification of renewable energies, tidal turbines are set to occupy an important niche, and numerical simulation is a crucial tool for their investigation. The in-house simulation code DOROTHY developed in collaboration between IFREMER and LOMC uses the Vortex Particle Method offering a good compromise between physical realism and and computational time. Some additional developments are required in order to make of this software a fully rounded numerical tool able to mimic advanced realistic configurations. Firstly, an important overhaul of its computation of loads has been undertaken, including a new framework to represent the previously simplified and now fully-rendered turbine blades. This endeavour includes the mathematical justification, investigation, and preliminary validation of additional integral methods accounting for the turbine body. Secondly, the importance of the impact of ambient turbulence on the wake interaction and power output within a turbine farm cannot be ignored. This element is introduced using a Synthetic Eddy Method uniquely adapted to the present Lagrangian framework. All aspects of this method as well as a promising alternative are closely examined, culminating in the demonstration of its capabilities for the simulation of the flow and prediction of detrimental interaction effects throughout a projected four turbine pilot farm configuration.