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Numerical simulation of wave speed effects on traveling wave turbine performance and pressure pulsation

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  • Bai, Yang
  • Cui, Zhifei
  • Cao, Peiyu
  • Zhu, Qianming
  • Huang, Diangui

Abstract

As the primary energy conversion equipment in pumped storage systems, hydraulic turbines play a crucial role in adapting to different power demands through variable speed regulation. However, during turbine speed governing, unstable flow induces pressure pulsation, causing equipment vibration, noise, and reduced efficiency. Drawing on bionic principles, this study investigates the bidirectional energy transfer mechanism of fish swimming motion and proposes a novel traveling wave turbine (TWT) concept. To this end, systematic numerical simulations analyzed the turbine's performance curves and pressure pulsation characteristics across varying dimensionless wave speed (C∗). The results demonstrated that turbine efficiency initially increases but subsequently decreases with rising dimensionless wave speed, peaking at 92.16 % at the optimal wave speed C∗ = 0.143. Specifically, volumetric losses decrease progressively with increasing wave speed, whereas kinetic energy losses and flow losses increase gradually. Furthermore, higher dimensionless wave speed mitigates abrupt pressure changes at contraction points effectively and promotes more uniform power distribution across the flexible plate (FP). Paradoxically, increased wave speeds intensify flow field disturbances, leading to progressively larger pressure pulsation amplitudes in the main working chamber.

Suggested Citation

  • Bai, Yang & Cui, Zhifei & Cao, Peiyu & Zhu, Qianming & Huang, Diangui, 2026. "Numerical simulation of wave speed effects on traveling wave turbine performance and pressure pulsation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pf:s0960148125020269
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124362
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    References listed on IDEAS

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