A review on computational fluid dynamics modeling and simulation of horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbines

Abstract

Hydrokinetic energy conversion devices provide the facility to capture energy from water flow without the need of large dams, impoundments, channels or deviation of the water as in conventional hydroelectric centrals. Hydrokinetic systems are intended to be used in streams, either natural (rivers, estuaries, marine currents) or artificially built channels. This article reviews the advances made over the last 10–15 years regarding the three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling and simulation of this type of turbines. Technical aspects of model design, employed boundary conditions, solution of the governing equations of the water flow through the hydrokinetic turbine and assumptions made during the simulations are thoroughly described. We hope that this review will encourage new computational investigations about hydrokinetic turbines that contribute to their continuous improvement, development and implementation aimed to sustainable use of water resources and addressed to solve the problem of lack of electricity supply in small, isolated populations.