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In-situ blade strain measurements and fatigue analysis of a cross-flow turbine operating in a tidal flow

Author

Listed:
  • Bichanich, Mason
  • Bharath, Aidan
  • O’Byrne, Patrick
  • Monahan, Michael
  • Ross, Hannah
  • Raye, Robert
  • Nichols, Casey
  • Candon, Charles
  • Wosnik, Martin

Abstract

Cross-flow turbines (CFTs) are inherently unsteady devices with regards to operating principle and loading. By improving our understanding of the dynamic loading on these turbines, we hope to better inform CFT design, improve survivability, and reduce overall costs. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) collaborated on a project to instrument and test a four-bladed New Energy Corp. vertical axis cross-flow turbine in a real tidal flow. One blade from the 3.2 m diameter x 1.7 m height turbine was instrumented with eight full-bridge strain gauges along the span of the blade. The turbine was then deployed at the UNH-Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) Tidal Energy Test Site in Portsmouth, NH. Time-synchronized measurements of blade strain, inflow, thrust, rotational speed, and electrical output were obtained to characterize blade loading under various conditions. The blade strain was examined to assess the dynamic loading and conduct a fatigue analysis on the device.

Suggested Citation

  • Bichanich, Mason & Bharath, Aidan & O’Byrne, Patrick & Monahan, Michael & Ross, Hannah & Raye, Robert & Nichols, Casey & Candon, Charles & Wosnik, Martin, 2025. "In-situ blade strain measurements and fatigue analysis of a cross-flow turbine operating in a tidal flow," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:239:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124020457
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121977
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Murray, Robynne E. & Ordonez-Sanchez, Stephanie & Porter, Kate E. & Doman, Darrel A. & Pegg, Michael J. & Johnstone, Cameron M., 2018. "Towing tank testing of passively adaptive composite tidal turbine blades and comparison to design tool," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(PA), pages 202-214.
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    5. Marone, Nicole & Barrington, Matthew & Gunawan, Budi & McEntee, Jarlath & Wosnik, Martin, 2025. "Performance of cross-flow turbines with varying blade materials and unsupported blade span," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
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