Studies on Wells Turbine for Wave Power Generator : 4th Report, Starting and Running Characteristics in Periodically Oscillating Flow

Abstract

In order to clarify the starting and running characteristics of a Wells turbine in an oscillating flow, an experimental investigation has been performed. The results have been compared with the analytical results. In the analysis, both starting and running characteristics were calculated on the basis of the experimental results obtained under steady unidirectional flow conditions. Comparison between experiment and analysis has shown that the effect of hysteresis and Reynolds number on torque coefficient should be considered in the analysis. Furthermore, running characteristics have been investigated from a view point of the method of load control.