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Experimental Study of the Efficiency of Hydrokinetic Turbines Under Real River Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Stanilov

    (Department of Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Rangel Sharkov

    (National Center of Excellence for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Angel Alexandrov

    (Department of Machine Elements and Non-Metallic Constructions, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Rositsa Velichkova

    (Department of Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria)

  • Iskra Simova

    (Department of Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria)

Abstract

In recent years, a growing global effort has been underway to reduce the Earth’s carbon footprint. One of the main strategies to achieve this goal is the utilization of available renewable energy resources. Among the largest and most inexhaustible is hydro-power. This paper presents an experimental study of three hydrokinetic turbines tested under real river conditions, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water. The experiment is described in detail, including velocity field measurements conducted within the river section used for testing. Based on the experimental data, the main performance characteristics of the three turbines are presented, specifically their power output and efficiency. The importance of selecting an optimal riverbed site and customizing turbine runners to local flow conditions is highlighted, as even slight velocity fluctuations can significantly impact performance. Among the tested designs, the K1–6 turbine runner showed the highest power and efficiency, while the K2–4 runner provided superior rotational stability, making it promising for consistent energy output in variable flow environments

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Stanilov & Rangel Sharkov & Angel Alexandrov & Rositsa Velichkova & Iskra Simova, 2025. "Experimental Study of the Efficiency of Hydrokinetic Turbines Under Real River Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:19:p:5160-:d:1760185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shoaib Ahmed & Amjad Ali & Alessandro Ciocia & Antonio D’Angola, 2024. "Technological Elements behind the Renewable Energy Community: Current Status, Existing Gap, Necessity, and Future Perspective—Overview," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-40, June.
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    3. Khan, M.J. & Bhuyan, G. & Iqbal, M.T. & Quaicoe, J.E., 2009. "Hydrokinetic energy conversion systems and assessment of horizontal and vertical axis turbines for river and tidal applications: A technology status review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(10), pages 1823-1835, October.
    4. Janusz Zyśk & Artur Wyrwa & Maciej Raczyński & Marcin Pluta & Wojciech Suwała, 2025. "Regional-Scale Energy Modelling for Developing Strategies to Achieve Climate Neutrality," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, April.
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