Physical Model Experimental Study on Tidal Current Turbines Development in Narrow Channels
Qingjun Li, Hongwei Liu ,Kun Zhou The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China 2026-06-27

Abstract

To investigate the flow field and energy extraction characteristics of tidal current turbine array deployment in narrow channels, this study established a physical model experimental system based on a circulating pool. Three turbine configurations with distinct transmission systems and a high-performance rotor optimized for low-velocity conditions were developed, with narrow channel conditions simulated using flow baffles. Through observation and analysis of the energy capture and channel flow variations of single, dual, and quadruple turbine arrays, this study ultimately reveals, at a macroscopic level, the relationship between dynamic inflow and turbine operating states, and at a microscopic level, the relationship between flow field reconstruction and power capture characteristics, thereby providing experimental evidence for optimized array layout and engineering applications.

Key words:Tidal current turbine, Array development, Experimental study, Dynamic inflow,Narrow channel

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