The Wells turbine is an ideal prime mover for a wave energy converter which uses air as the working fluid because it can operate in reversing airflows, and the linear relationship between flow rate and induced pressure drop provides optimum damping to achieve maximum energy extraction from the waves. The paper describes a design tool for sizing Wells turbines which is based on this phenomenon of linear damping, incorporates data obtained from turbines and simulators with air powers ranging from watts to 343 kW. A method of rotor construction which results in a low cost aerodynamically efficient unit which will contribute to the economic viability of wave energy is also described.
A phenomenlogical design tool for wells turbines
Phänomenologisches Konstruktionswerkzeug für Wells Turbinen
Wave Energy, Seminar ; 1991-6 ; 53-60
1991
8 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 7 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch