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Hydrodynamic performance of full-scale tidal current turbine arrays wakes in tandem and parallel configurations

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  • Zou, Tian
  • Gu, Yajing
  • Liu, Hongwei
  • Song, Zhiwei
  • Ye, Kenan
  • Lin, Hongyi

Abstract

Wake-induced interactions in tidal current turbine arrays (TCTAs) remain a major barrier to the commercialization of the tidal current energy. To address this engineering need, sea-trial data was coupled with high-fidelity large-eddy simulations (LES) using a WALE subgrid model for a full-scale 120 kW horizontal-axis turbine to resolve array-scale hydrodynamics. Wake recovery and array effects in tandem and parallel configurations were investigated, focusing on turbine spacing and rotation strategies that improve energy yield while limiting unsteady loads. The CFD model was validated against experimental dataset and then used to evaluate time-averaged Cp and CT characteristics, wake metrics, and power-spectral-density signatures across 15D/5D spacings and co-/counter-rotation schemes. For the tested conditions, an axial spacing on the order of 15D and a lateral spacing of about 2D provide conservative reference baselines for low-interference layouts. Tandem configuration with 5D spacing exhibited severe downstream power degradation and amplified mid–high-frequency load energy, while counter-rotation helps disrupt coherent vortices and partially stabilize the wake. Parallel configuration delivered overall power enhancement, with smoother combined output under co-rotation but stronger spectral oscillations under counter-rotation. These findings provide useful insights into wake–load coupling mechanisms in TCTAs and offer guidance for the optimization of array layouts in tidal energy farms.

Suggested Citation

  • Zou, Tian & Gu, Yajing & Liu, Hongwei & Song, Zhiwei & Ye, Kenan & Lin, Hongyi, 2026. "Hydrodynamic performance of full-scale tidal current turbine arrays wakes in tandem and parallel configurations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126000200
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125195
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