Effect of the Shape of Stator Blades on the Performance Output of a Vertical Axis Marine Current Turbine

Due to the diminishing reserves of fossil fuels and increased pollution from exploitation of these fuels, the world is focusing on the renewable energy sources. Energy from tidal waves is one of the most exciting forms of renewable energy because of its consistent nature. Hence, the predictable, consistent and reliable nature of marine currents has enthused the researchers to emphasize on harnessing energy from marine currents in order to meet the renewable energy targets. Exploitation of this technology is underway and further research is required to extract this energy optimally. Operating under water and harnessing kinetic energy has restated the importance of Vertical Axis Marine Current Turbines (VAMCTs). Recent studies have shown that the shape of the blades, within a VAMCT, has an appreciably considerable effect on its performance output. The flow field in the vicinity of the VAMCT is greatly affected by the design and shape of the stator blades. This paper presents an effort carried out to analyze the effect of the shape of the stator blades of a VAMCT on its performance output. VAMCT with curved stator blades has been analyzed and the results have been compared with the existing literature for the performance output from a VAMCT having straight stator blades. It has been shown that a VAMCT with curved stator blades performances superiorly as compared to straight stator blades. Furthermore, the operational range of a VAMCT with curved stator blades increases significantly as compared to straight stator blades.