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Optimization of the Runner for Extremely Low Head Bidirectional Tidal Bulb
Turbine

Article  in  Energies · June 2017

DOI: 10.3390/en10060787

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Article
Optimization of the Runner for Extremely Low Head
Bidirectional Tidal Bulb Turbine
Yongyao Luo 1 , Xin Liu 2 , Zhengwei Wang 1, *, Yexiang Xiao 1 , Chenglian He 3 and Yiyang Zhang 3
1 State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering & Department of Thermal Engineering,
Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; luoyy@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn (Y.L.);
xiaoyex@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn (Y.X.)
2 Huaneng Clean Energy Research Institute, Beijing 102209, China; liu-xin@outlook.com
3 China Water Resources Beifang Investigation, Design & Research CO. LTD, Tianjin 300222, China;
zmhcl@263.net (C.H.); cherry_33@163.com (Y.Z.)
* Correspondence: wzw@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn; Tel: +86-10-6279-1262

Academic Editor: Aristides Kiprakis

Received: 28 March 2017; Accepted: 2 June 2017; Published: 7 June 2017

Abstract: This paper presents a multi-objective optimization procedure for bidirectional bulb turbine
runners which is completed using ANSYS Workbench. The optimization procedure is able to
check many more geometries with less manual work. In the procedure, the initial blade shape is
parameterized, the inlet and outlet angles (β1 , β2 ), as well as the starting and ending wrap angles (θ 1 ,
θ 2 ) for the five sections of the blade profile, are selected as design variables, and the optimization
target is set to obtain the maximum of the overall efficiency for the ebb and flood turbine modes.
For the flow analysis, the ANSYS CFX code, with a SST (Shear Stress Transport) k-ω turbulence
model, has been used to evaluate the efficiency of the turbine. An efficient response surface model
relating the design parameters and the objective functions is obtained. The optimization strategy
was used to optimize a model bulb turbine runner. Model tests were carried out to validate the final
designs and the design procedure. For the four-bladed turbine, the efficiency improvement is 5.5%
in the ebb operation direction, and 2.9% in the flood operation direction, as well as 4.3% and 4.5%
for the three-bladed turbine. Numerical simulations were then performed to analyze the pressure
pulsation in the pressure and suction sides of the blade for the prototype turbine with optimal
four-bladed and three-bladed runners. The results show that the runner rotational frequency (fn ) is
the dominant frequency of the pressure pulsations in the blades for ebb and flood turbine modes,
and the gravitational effect, rather than rotor-stator interaction (RSI), plays an important role in a low
head horizontal axial turbine. The amplitudes of the pressure pulsations on the blade side facing the
guide vanes varies little with the water head. However, the amplitudes of the pressure pulsations on
the blade side facing the diffusion tube linearly increase with the water head. These results could
provide valuable insight for reducing the pressure amplitudes in the bidirectional bulb turbine.

Keywords: tidal energy; numerical simulation; optimization; bidirectional; bulb turbine

1. Introduction
Seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by sea with an enormous source of renewable
energy, including tidal energy, marine current energy, wave energy, ocean thermal energy, and salinity
gradient energy. Of which tidal energy is a form of hydroelectric generation in which the water
resource is replenished by tidal movements. It is truly renewable green power and a clean source
of energy without pollution. Tidal power uses the twice-daily variation in sea level caused by the
gravitational effect of the moon and sun on the ocean. Tides are the daily movements with every rise
and fall, storing large amounts of potential energy [1]. The tidal change in sea level can be used to

Energies 2017, 10, 787; doi:10.3390/en10060787 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 787 2 of 13

Energies 2017, 10, 787 2 of 13

generate electricity
Energies by building a dam across a coastal bay or estuary with large differences2between
2017, 10, 787 of 13
flooddifferences
and ebb tides.between flood and ebb tides. The flood and ebb tides allow the water to rush into, and The
The flood and ebb tides allow the water to rush into, and out, of the reservoir.
differences
flow out,
of water between flood andpower ebb tides. The flood and ebb tides allow electricity.
the water toThe rushgeneration
into, and of
of thegenerates
reservoir. enough
The flow of water to generates
rotate theenough
turbines to create
power to rotate the turbines to create
out, of the reservoir. The flow of water generates enough power to rotate the turbines to create
electricity fromThe
electricity. tides is very of
generation similar to hydroelectric
electricity generation,
from tides is very similar toexcept that water
hydroelectric is ableexcept
generation, to flow in
electricity. The generation of electricity from tides is very similar to hydroelectric generation, except
both that water and,
direction is able in to
thisflow
way, in electricity
both directioncan beand, in thisusing
created way, bidirectional
electricity canbulb be created
tubularusing
turbines;
that water is able to flow in both direction and, in this way, electricity can be created using
bidirectional
the operating bulb
principal tubular turbines;
of theturbines; the
tidal turbinesoperating principal
are shown of the
in Figure tidal turbines
1. This are
type are shown
of turbine in Figure 1.
bidirectional bulb tubular the operating principal of the tidal turbines shown incouldFigureoperate
1.
This
efficientlytype of
under turbine
extremelycould operate efficiently under extremely low water head (below 5 m) and large
This type of turbine couldlow water
operate head (below
efficiently 5 m) and low
under extremely large water
water head head variations
(below 5 m) and(0.8–5
large m).
water head variations (0.8–5 m). The flood and ebb tides lead to multiple operating conditions,
The flood
waterand headebb tides lead
variations to multiple
(0.8–5 m). The floodoperating
and ebb conditions,
tides lead including
to multiplebidirectional generating,
operating conditions,
including bidirectional generating, bidirectional pumping, bidirectional sluice, etc., and frequent
bidirectional
includingpumping,
bidirectional bidirectional
generating, sluice, etc., and
bidirectional frequent
pumping, transitions
bidirectional between
sluice, each
etc., and operating
frequent
transitions between each operating conditions, shown in Figure 2.
transitions
conditions, shown between each operating
in Figure 2. conditions, shown in Figure 2.

Sea Turbine Dam Reservoir

Sea Turbine Dam Reservoir

Flood tide
Flood tide

ebb tide
ebb tide

Figure 1. The operating principal of the bidirectional tidal turbine.

Figure
Figure 1. 1.The
Theoperating
operating principal thebidirectional
principal ofofthe bidirectionaltidal
tidalturbine.
turbine.

Ebb turbine
H Ebb turbine
H
Closing down
Closing down
Flood pump Hot bank
Flood pump Hot bank
Ebb sluice
Ebb sluice
Flood sluice
Flood sluice Q
Q
Hot bank Ebb pump
Hot bank Ebb pump
Closing down
Closing down
Flood turbine
Flood turbine
Figure 2. Four quadrant sketch of tidal unit operating condition transitions.
Figure 2. Four quadrant sketch of tidal unit operating condition transitions.
Figure 2. Four quadrant sketch of tidal unit operating condition transitions.
Many tidal sites around the world are considered suitable for building tidal power plants;
Many tidal sites around the world are considered suitable for building tidal power plants;
however, there are only five major tidal barrage power plants in operation so far, including La Rance [2],
Many tidal
however, sitesare
there around themajor
only five world arebarrage
tidal considered
powersuitable
plants infor building
operation tidal
so far, power plants;
including La Rance however,
[2],
Kislaya Guba [3], Annapolis [4], Jiangxia [5], and Sihwa tidal power plants [6]. Of which only La
Kislaya
there are onlyGuba [3], Annapolis
five major [4], Jiangxia
tidal barrage power [5], andinSihwa
plants tidal power
operation so far, plants
including[6]. Of
La which
Rance only La
[2], Kislaya
Rance and the Jiangxia pilot tidal power plants use a combination of two-way generation. Aggidis
GubaandRance and
[3],Feather the
Annapolis Jiangxia pilot
[4], Jiangxia tidal power
[5], and plants use a combination of two-way generation. Aggidis
[7] utilized characteristics of Sihwa
double tidal power
regulated plants
turbine [6]. Of
models which
from only
Sulzer La Rance
Escher Wyss and
and Feather
the Jiangxia [7] utilized characteristics of double regulated turbinegeneration.
models fromAggidisSulzer Escher Wyss
of Zurich and Andritz Hydro to estimate the realistic amount of power available from tidal range [7]
pilot tidal power plants use a combination of two-way and Feather
of Zurich and Andritz Hydro to estimate the realistic amount of power available from tidal range
utilized characteristics
generation of double
on the Solway Firth.regulated turbineturbine
The bulb tubular modelshas from Sulzerbeen
generally Escher
usedWyss of Zurich
in tidal power and
generation on the Solway Firth. The bulb tubular turbine has generally been used in tidal power
Andritz Hydro
plants due toto their
estimate the realistic
extremely low water amount
headsofandpower available
the large water from tidal range
head variations generation
compared withon the
plants due to their extremely low water heads and the large water head variations compared with
Solwaygeneral hydraulic
Firth. The turbines,
bulb tubularsuch as Francis
turbine has and Kaplan turbines.
generally been usedSimilar
in to other
tidal powerhydraulic
plants turbines,
due to their
general hydraulic turbines, such as Francis and Kaplan turbines. Similar to other hydraulic turbines,
the
extremely power captured
low water by
headstidal generation
andgeneration units
the largeunits are
water mainly determined by the efficiency of the turbine
the power captured by tidal arehead variations
mainly determined compared with general
by the efficiency hydraulic
of the turbine
runners who transfer the kinetic energy of water to mechanical energy. Many studies have focused
turbines, such as Francis and Kaplan turbines. Similar to other hydraulic turbines,
runners who transfer the kinetic energy of water to mechanical energy. Many studies have focused the power captured
by tidal generation units are mainly determined by the efficiency of the turbine runners who transfer
the kinetic energy of water to mechanical energy. Many studies have focused on optimization of
Energies 2017, 10, 787 3 of 13

runners for Kaplan, Francis, pump-turbine, and unidirectional bulb turbines with large capacity using
the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) method coupled with optimization algorithms. Lipej [8]
presented a multi-objective genetic algorithm for the design of axial runners. Within the optimization
procedure, a special program has been developed, which makes it possible to start the optimization
procedure with a relatively high level of efficiency and transforms prescribed genetic parameters to the
runner geometry. Yang [9] presents an automatic multi-objective hydrodynamic optimization strategy
to redesign a scaled pump-turbine, and model tests were conducted to validate the final design and
confirm the validity of the design strategy. Balint [10] optimized the hydrodynamics of the runner
blades of an axial Kaplan turbine using the in-house software QTurbo3D. The effect of the runner
blades’ geometry modification upon its hydrodynamics is shown both from energetic and cavitation
points of view. Loiseau [11] optimized the shape of the blade for a large bulb turbine in the Xia Jiang
project by using the latest tools in computational fluid dynamics, and a model fully homologous with
the prototype was manufactured with model test results confirming the predicted ones. The increase
in adaptation for the parameter design using CFD and an optimization technique to the turbine design
has begun to accelerate the progress of a sophisticated and effective design technique for obtaining
high-performance and reliable turbines. However, there have been few studies carried out to optimize
the runner for extremely low head bidirectional tidal bulb turbines.
In this research, the CFD method coupled with an optimization algorithm is adopted to
optimize the hydraulic behavior for the runner of the bidirectional tidal bulb turbines, and hydraulic
performance optimum designs are successfully carried out. Then the model test results are analyzed
and compared with the calculated results in both flood and ebb modes. The good agreement between
experimental and simulation results is outlined. Finally, the hydraulic characteristics for the prototype
turbines with optimal runners were analyzed, and the pressure pulsations in the blade surface are
predicted to ensure the stable operation of the tidal units.

2. Optimization Methodology
Generally, optimization processes are based on the relationships between input design parameters
and output targets. In this case, the inlet and outlet angles (βj1 , βj2 ), as well as the starting and ending
of wrap angles (θ j1 , θ j2 ) for the section j of the blade profile, 20 parameters in total were selected as
design variables for the optimization, as shown in Figure 3. The thickness of the sections were not
considered to reduce the sample number and save computational time. The target of the optimization
is to obtain the maximum of the overall efficiency for the ebb and flood turbine modes. Thus, the
objective function is defined in Equation (1):
   

ηebb + η f lood = F β j1 , β j2 , θ j1 , θ j2 = F ( Xi ); j = 1, 5; i = 1, 20 (1)

nπτ
η= (2)
30ρgHQ
where Q and H are the turbine discharge and head, n and τ are the rotational speed and moment
acting on the runner, and ρ and g are water density and gravitational acceleration.
There are no exact functions between the design parameters and the output targets for most
engineering design problems. Therefore, response surface methodology (RSM) has been employed to
describe the approximate functional relations of Equation (3) by using polynomials RSM, introduced
by Box and Wilson in 1951, has been a well-known method for estimating the interaction effects among
independent variables without implementing factorial design experiments for each level of every
independent variable [12]. A second-order model is used to fit the response surface F(Xi ), which
 Energies 2017, 10, 787 4 of 13

can significantly improve the optimization process when a first-order model suffers lack of fit due to
interaction between variables and surface curvature. A general second-order model is defined as:

20 20 20
ηebb + η f lood = F ( Xi ) = a0 + ∑ ai Xi + ∑ aii Xi2 + ∑ aik Xi Xk (3)
i =1 i =1 i 6=k
Energies 2017, 10, 787 4 of 13

z
(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Figure 3. Parametric
Figure 3. Parametricrepresentation
representationof of
the blade.
the blade.(a)(a)3D
3Dblade;
blade;(b)
(b)θθ and
and ββ values in each
values in eachsection;
section; (c)
Definition of θ; (d)
(c) Definition Definition
of θ; of β.of β.
(d) Definition

ThereTheare no exact functions

undetermined between
coefficients of {a} canthe
be design parameters
found out by principleand theleast
of the output targets
square for most
regression
engineering design problems. Therefore, response surface methodology
with the help of a set of sample points distributed in the so-called design space. (RSM) has been employed
to describe The the approximate
distribution of samplefunctional
points in relations
design spaceof has
Equation (3) influence
significant by usingin polynomials
the accuracy ofRSM,
introduced
estimated bymodel,
Box and
so Wilson in 1951,
it is necessary tohas beenana effective
choose well-known
methodmethod for estimating
for design the interaction
of experiment (DoE).
Theamong
effects ranges independent
and values of each variable
variables were chosen
without using Latinfactorial
implementing hypercube sampling
design (LHS), which
experiments for each
is usually applied in optimization to generate a multi-dimensional distribution
level of every independent variable [12]. A second-order model is used to fit the response surfaceof parameter values
F(Xi),for the preparation
which of RSM.
can significantly Through
improve theLHS, the distributions
optimization processofwhen
sample points in design
a first-order modelspace is lack
suffers
of fit due to interaction between variables and surface curvature. A general second-order model is
defined as:
20 20 20
ηebb +η flood = F ( X i ) = a0 +  ai X i +  aii X +  aik X i X k
i
2
(3)
Energies 2017, 10, 787 5 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 787 5 of 13

equi-probable, random, andthus,

random, and orthogonal, orthogonal,
higher thus, higher
accuracy of accuracy
the model of the
canmodel can be obtained
be obtained with fewer withsample
fewer
sample
points. points.
The
The optimization
optimization process of the runner √ has been completed in ANSYS ANSYS Workbench
Workbench in this study. study.
According
According to to similarity
similarity law, ( /√ H)
law,nn1111 (nD/ ) inin the
the model
model and and prototype
prototype unitsunits listed
listed in Table 11 must must
remain
remain the same. The initial model runner has a diameter of 0.35
same. The initial model runner has a diameter of 0.35 m, with a rotational speed of 1000m, with a rotational speed of
1000
r/min,r/min,
and a and
headaofhead
3.14 ofm.3.14
The m. The variation
variation range (±20% range ±20%
of (the of values)
initial the initial values)
of the control of the control
parameters
parameters are given through the Design Exploration module,
are given through the Design Exploration module, different combinations decided by the DoE are different combinations decided by
the DoE
input to are input to BladeModeler
BladeModeler module and module a number and of arunner
number of runner configurations
configurations are generated, areasgenerated,
shown in
as shown
Figure in Figure
3. The design3. headTheanddesign head speed
rotational and rotational
keep unchanged speed keep in theunchanged
optimization in theprocess.optimization
By using
process. By using ANSYS CFX (ANSYS: Canonsburg, PA,
ANSYS CFX (ANSYS: Canonsburg, PA, USA) to calculate runner performances corresponding to USA) to calculate runner performances
corresponding
different runner to different runner configurations,
configurations, the RSM model the RSM modelcontrol
between betweenparameters
control parameters and runner and
runner performances
performances is builtistobuilt
obtain (i = a0,i (i
to obtain = 0, 20),
20), (i, a
j =
ij (i,
1, j =
20).1, 20).
Then Then
the the
group group
of [β of
j1 , β[β
j2, θ j1β, θj2 ],
θ
j1 j2 j1 θ j2 ],
, , ,
which
which maximizes the target of F(X ), was set as the final parameters
maximizes the target of F(Xi), wasi set as the final parameters of the turbine runner. of the turbine runner.
After
After optimization, the new new runner
runnerhas hasbeen
beenimported
importedinto intoa a3D3Dfull-passage
full-passage CFDCFD simulation
simulation to
to check the final hydraulic performance. The SST
check the final hydraulic performance. The SST k-ω turbulence model, which has k-ω turbulence model, which has been widely
widely
validated
validated forfor numerical
numerical analysis
analysis of of rotational
rotational machinery,
machinery, is is used
used forfor the
the turbulence
turbulence closure closure [13]. [13]. A A
frozen
frozen rotor
rotormodel
modelisisused
usedforforthethepresent
present domain,
domain, including
including bothboth
stationary
stationaryand and
rotational
rotational parts.parts. The
space discretization
The space is based
discretization is on a cell-centered
based on a cell-centeredfinite volume finite scheme
volumewith the system
scheme with the of governing
system of
equations
governingadvanced
equationsinadvanced
time using inthetime explicit
using second-order scheme. Thescheme.
the explicit second-order mesh sensitivity
The mesh analysis
sensitivity has
been performed
analysis has beentoperformed
decide theto mesh
decide sizetheusedmeshin optimization. Figure 4 presents
size used in optimization. Figurethe final mesh
4 presents thefrom final
the
meshintake
fromtothetheintake
diffusion
to thetube. The main
diffusion tube. parameters
The main of the prototype
parameters of theunit are shown
prototype unitinare Tableshown 1. in
Table 1.
Table 1. Main parameters of the prototype unit.
Table 1. Main parameters of the prototype unit.
Geometric
Design Parameters Value
Design Parameters Geometric Parameters Value
Value Parameters Value
Design
Design head (H) head (H) 2.5 m 2.5 mRunnerRunner diameter
diameter (D) (D) 2.52.5
mm
Design (Ebb
Design discharge discharge
turbine) 34 m3 /s 34 m3/s
(Ebb turbine) Hub ratio
Hub ratio 0.90.9
Design discharge (Flood turbine)
Design discharge 27 m3 /s
(Flood turbine) 27 m3/s Blade number
Blade number 3 or 4 4
3 or
RotationalRotational
speed (n) speed (n) 125 r/min 125 r/min
Guide vane number
Guide vane number 16 16

Intake
Guide vanes Runner
Diffusion tube

Figure 4.
Figure 4. Mesh
Mesh of
of the
the flow
flow path.
path.

3. Optimization Results
The initial model runner has a diameter of 0.35 m with four blades. The optimization obtained
two optimal blade profiles; one runner has four blades, while the other runner has three blades. Table
2 gives a comparison of the main control parameters before and after optimization.
Energies 2017, 10, 787 6 of 13

3. Optimization Results
The initial model runner has a diameter of 0.35 m with four blades. The optimization obtained
two optimal blade profiles; one runner has four blades, while the other runner has three blades. Table 2
gives a comparison of the main control parameters before and after optimization.

Energies 2017, 10, 787 Table 2. Angles in initial and optimal conditions. 6 of 13

Model Table 2. Angles in initial and optimal Value (◦ )

conditions.
Angle

Model β11 β12 β21 β22Angleβ31 β32

Value (°) β41 β42 β51 β52
Initial model: four-bladed 66.6
β11 66.8
β12 62.5
β 21 61.2
β22 β3152.7 β32 50.7β41 50.3
β42 44.2
β51 34.5
β52 39.3
Optimal model:
Initial four-bladed
model: four-bladed 56.2
66.6 60.1
66.8 50.5
62.5 54.5
61.2 52.744.3 50.7 48.150.3 40.2
44.2 42.4
34.5 36.5
39.3 44.5
Optimal model: three-bladed 61.3 60.8 61.1 60.1 58.8 58.8 51.8 53.3 36.1 45.3
Optimal model: four-bladed 56.2 60.1 50.5 54.5 44.3 48.1 40.2 42.4 36.5 44.5
Optimal model: three-bladed θ61.3
11 60.8
θ 12 61.1
θ 21 60.1 58.8θ 31 58.8 θ 3251.8
θ 22 53.3
θ 41 θ36.1
42 45.3
θ 51 θ 52
Initial model: four-bladed 53.1 θ12
θ11 120.7 θ
53.0
21 θ123.1
22 θ3152.6 θ32 123.7θ41 θ42
52.1 θ51
124.3 θ52
51.2 121.4
Optimal model:
Initial four-bladed 62.5
four-bladed
model: 53.1 117.5
120.7 55.6 123.1
53.0 125.8 52.652.1123.7130.552.1 50.5
124.3 131.2
51.2 55.3
121.4 125.1
Optimal model:model:
Optimal four-bladed 61.2
three-bladed 62.5 116.0
117.5 53.1 125.8
55.6 122.2 52.148.9130.5126.150.5 46.2
131.2 128.7
55.3 41.3
125.1 131.4
Optimal model: three-bladed 61.2 116.0 53.1 122.2 48.9 126.1 46.2 128.7 41.3 131.4
Figure 5 shows both initial and optimal blade profiles and their surface flow distribution under
Figure 5 shows both initial and optimal blade profiles and their surface flow distribution under
the optimum point. The initial model has almost straight leading and trailing edges, while the optimal
the optimum point. The initial model has almost straight leading and trailing edges, while the optimal
runner blades have both arc leading and trailing edges, forming an “S” type at each blade profile.
runner blades have both arc leading and trailing edges, forming an “S” type at each blade profile.
Thus,Thus,
the streamlines onon
the streamlines thethe
suction
suctionside
sideof
of the optimalblades
the optimal bladesare
are much
much smoother
smoother thanthan
thosethose
of theof the
initialinitial
blade for both ebb and flood modes. However, secondary flow occurs at the suction
blade for both ebb and flood modes. However, secondary flow occurs at the suction side of side
theof the
blades nearnear
blades the the
hubhub
andand
shroud
shroud for
forthe
theinitial
initial model.
model.

Initial model: four-bladed Optimal model: four-bladed Optimal model: three-bladed

Ebb turbine mode

Flood turbine mode

Figure 5. Streamlines on the suction side of the blades at the optimum point.
Figure 5. Streamlines on the suction side of the blades at the optimum point.
The model tests were performed on a standard hydraulic machinery test rig to verify the
optimization results. The test rig fulfils the international standard IEC 60193/IEC 62006 to achieve
reproducible and valid data of the test for turbines, pump turbines and pumps. It has a composition
error of ±0.3% for efficiency measurement with maximum head of 30 m and maximum discharge of
1000 m3/s, as shown in Figure 6. The model turbine is shown in Figure 7 with the torque meter
Energies 2017, 10, 787 7 of 13

The model tests were performed on a standard hydraulic machinery test rig to verify the
optimization results. The test rig fulfils the international standard IEC 60193/IEC 62006 to achieve
reproducible and valid data of the test for turbines, pump turbines and pumps. It has a composition
error
Energies ±0.3%
of2017, for efficiency measurement with maximum head of 30 m and maximum discharge
10, 787 7 of 13
of 1000 m3 /s, as shown in Figure 6. The model turbine is shown in Figure 7 with the torque meter
measuring the
measuring thetorque
torquegenerated
generatedby bythetheturbine,
turbine,and andthethe gear
gear boxbox transforms
transforms thethe horizontal
horizontal rotation
rotation of
of the
the shaftshaft to vertical
to vertical rotation.
rotation. ModelModel
tests tests
werewere performed
performed for thefor the optimal
optimal four-bladed
four-bladed and three-
and three-bladed
bladed runners
runners at the optimum
at the optimum bladesand
blades angle angle
guideandvanes
guideangle.
vanesThe angle. The experimental
experimental torquestorques
acting on acting
the
runner linearly increase with discharge Q for the optimal three-bladed runner, as shown in Figure in
on the runner linearly increase with discharge Q for the optimal three-bladed runner, as shown 8.
Figure
The 8. The experimental
experimental results were results were compared
compared with the numerical
with the numerical results for results
both forebbboth
and ebb
flood and flood
turbine
√
turbine as
modes, modes,
shownasinshownFiguresin9 Figures
and 10, 9whereand 10,the where
efficiencythe (η)
efficiency
and unit( discharge
) and unitQ11 discharge
(Q/D2 Q H)
11

( /normalized
are √ ) are normalized
by the maximumby the maximum
efficienciesefficiencies and corresponding
and corresponding Q11 . FiguresQ119. Figures 9 and 10
and 10 show show
that the
that the numerical
numerical simulations simulations
match well match
withwell with the experimental
the experimental data in termsdataofinefficiency
terms of efficiency level and
level and positions
positions
of the bestofefficiency
the best efficiency
point. Thepoint.
slightThe slight differences
differences seen in the seen in the efficiency
efficiency is mainlyisdue mainly
to theduefacttothat
the
factsmall
the that the
gaps small
at thegaps at the
tip and tipofand
hub the hub
bladeofaretheignored
blade are ignored
in the in the The
simulation. simulation.
optimalThe optimal
runners are
runners are much more efficient than the initial runner for both ebb and flood
much more efficient than the initial runner for both ebb and flood modes, and the best efficiency points modes, and the best
efficiency
shift from lowpoints shift from
discharge low discharge
to high discharge.toThe high
bestdischarge.
efficiencyThe bestfour-bladed
of the efficiency of the four-bladed
runner is slightly
runnerthan
higher is slightly
that ofhigher than that of
the three-bladed the three-bladed
runner for the ebb mode,runnerasforshowthe in
ebb mode,
Figure 9. as
Onshow in Figurethe
the contrary, 9.
On the contrary, the best efficiency of the four-bladed runner is slightly lower
best efficiency of the four-bladed runner is slightly lower than that of the three-bladed runner for flood than that of the three-
bladedasrunner
mode, shownfor in flood
Figuremode,
10, and asthe
shown
best in Figure 10,
efficiency andofthe
points thebest efficiency runner
three-bladed points has
of the three-
a higher
bladed runner has a higher
discharge for both ebb and flood mode.discharge for both ebb and flood mode.

Figure 6.
Figure 6. The
The standard
standard test
test rig.
rig.
Energies 2017, 10, 787 8 of 13

Energies 2017, 10, 787 8 of 13

Energies 2017, 10, 787 8 of 13

Gear box Four-bladed runner

Gear box Four-bladed runner

Torque
Torque meter
meter Guidevane
vane control
control mechanism Three-bladed runnerrunner
Guide mechanism Three-bladed
Figure 7. Model units.
Figure 7. Model units.
7. Model
Figure units.

Figure 8. The experimental torque acting on the runner versus discharge Q for the optimal three-
bladed runner.

FigureFigure
8. The8.experimental torque
The experimental acting
torque on the
acting runner
on the versus
runner discharge
versus dischargeQQfor
forthe
the optimal
optimal three-
three-bladed
bladed runner. runner.
Energies 2017, 10, 787 9 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 787 9 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 787 9 of 13

Figure 9. Normalized
Normalized efficiency vs.
vs. normalized Q
Q11 for
for the
the ebb
ebb turbine
turbine mode.
Figure 9. Normalized efficiency
Figure 9. efficiency vs. normalized
normalized Q11 mode.
11 for the ebb turbine mode.

Figure 10. Normalized efficiency vs. normalized Q11 for the flood turbine mode.
Figure 10.
10. Normalized
Normalized efficiency
efficiency vs.
vs. normalized
normalized Q
Q11 for the flood turbine mode.
Figure 11 for the flood turbine mode.
4. Prediction of Hydraulic Characteristics for the Prototype Turbines with Optimal Runners
4. Prediction of Hydraulic Characteristics for the Prototype Turbines with Optimal Runners
4. Prediction of Hydraulic Characteristics for the Prototype Turbines with Optimal Runners
The pressure pulsation of the prototype turbines with optimal runners were then predicted
The pressure pulsation of the prototype turbines with optimal runners were then predicted
usingThe pressure
unsteady CFDpulsation of In
analysis. thetheprototype turbines
simulations, the with optimal
interfaces runners
between thewere then
guide predicted
vanes, using
the runner,
using unsteady CFD analysis. In the simulations, the interfaces between the guide vanes, the runner,
unsteady CFD analysis.
and the diffusion In themodeled
tube were simulations,
withthe interfacesrotor
a transient between
statorthe guide
with thevanes, the runner,between
flux transferred and the
and the diffusion tube were modeled with a transient rotor stator with the flux transferred between
diffusion tubezones
neighboring were tomodeled with
count for thea two
transient rotor stator
rotor-stator with the During
interactions. flux transferred between the
the calculations, neighboring
pressure
neighboring zones to count for the two rotor-stator interactions. During the calculations, the pressure
zones to count
data were foratthe
saved thetwo rotor-stator
recording pointsinteractions.
on the bladeDuring the
surface, ascalculations,
shown in Figurethe pressure
11, with data were
points RP
data were saved at the recording points on the blade surface, as shown in Figure 11, with points RP
saved
and RSat rotating
the recording points
with the on the
runner in blade surface,
the blade as shown
passage. The in Figure pulsations
pressure 11, with points RP and
obtained RS
in the
and RS rotating with the runner in the blade passage. The pressure pulsations obtained in the
rotating withwere
simulations the runner
analyzedin the
usingblade
FFTpassage. The pressure
(fast Fourier transform)pulsations obtained
to determine in the simulations
the pressure pulsation
simulations were analyzed using FFT (fast Fourier transform) to determine the pressure pulsation
were analyzed
amplitudes andusing FFT (fast Fourier
the dominant relativetransform)
frequency to (f/fdetermine
n, where fn the pressure
is the runnerpulsation
rotationalamplitudes and
frequency).
amplitudes and the dominant relative frequency (f/fn, where fn is the runner rotational frequency).
the dominant relative frequency (f/fn , where fn is the runner rotational frequency).
Energies 2017, 10, 787 10 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 787
Energies 2017, 10, 787 10 of 13
10 of 13

RP
RS
RP
RS

Figure 11. Locations of the recording points.

Figure 11. Locations of the recording points.
The time and frequency histories
Figure of the pressure
11. Locations of thepulsations
recordingatpoints.
points RP and RS for the ebb and
flood turbine modes for H = 3 m are shown in Figures 12 and 13. The dominant frequencies of the
The time andpulsations
frequency histories of the pressure pulsations at periodically
points RP varying
and RSwith
forthe
the ebb and
Thepressure
time and at the
frequency blade points
histories are all
of the 1fn due topulsations
pressure their elevations
at points RP and RS for the ebb and
flood turbine modes for H = 3 m are shown in Figures 12 and 13. The dominant
runner rotation. Frequencies that are multiples of fn are obvious in the pressure pulsations for point
flood turbine modes for H = 3 m are shown in Figures 12 and 13. The dominant frequencies of the
frequencies of the
pressure RS in the
pulsations ebb turbine
atatthe mode. Moreover, the frequency of 16f , corresponding to 16 guide vanes (also
theblade
bladepoints
pointsare areall
all 1f dueto totheir
theirelevations
elevations periodically varying with
the the
n
pressure pulsations 1fnn due periodically
known as rotor-stator interaction, RSI), commonly happens in a traditional turbine, and rarely has
varying with
runner rotation.
runner rotation. Frequencies
Frequencies that are
that This multiples
are multiples of f are obvious
of fnn are obvious in the
in the pressure
pressure pulsations
pulsations for point
for point
influence on this tidal turbine. means the gravitational effect, rather than RSI, plays an important
RSRSin in
thethe
ebb turbine
ebb
role in aturbine mode.
low-headmode. Moreover,
Moreover,
horizontal the
the frequency
axial turbine.frequency of of 16f
16fnn, ,corresponding
corresponding to to
1616 guide
guide vanes
vanes (also
(also
known
known as as
rotor-stator
rotor-statorinteraction,
interaction, RSI),
RSI), commonly happensininaatraditional
commonly happens traditional turbine,
turbine, andand rarely
rarely hashas
influence on this tidal turbine. This means
influence on this tidal turbine. This means the gravitational effect, rather than RSI, plays an important
gravitational effect, rather than RSI, plays an important
rolerole
in in
a low-head
a low-head horizontal
horizontalaxial
axialturbine.
turbine.

(a) (b)

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(c) (d)

Figure 12. Time and frequency histories of pressure pulsations on the blade points for an optimal
four-bladed runner: H = 3 m. (a) RP-ebb mode; (b) RP-flood mode; (c) RS-ebb mode; (d) RS-flood mode.
Energies 2017, 10, 787 11 of 13

Figure 12. Time and frequency histories of pressure pulsations on the blade points for an optimal four-
bladed
Energies 10, 787 H = 3 m. (a) RP-ebb mode; (b) RP-flood mode; (c) RS-ebb mode; (d) RS-flood mode. 11 of 13
2017, runner:

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure13.
Figure Time
13.Time and and frequency
frequency histories
histories of pressure
of pressure pulsations
pulsations on points
on the blade the blade
for anpoints forthree-
optimal an
optimal three-bladed runner: H = 3 m. (a) RP-ebb mode; (b) RP-flood mode; (c) RS-ebb
bladed runner: H = 3 m. (a) RP-ebb mode; (b) RP-flood mode; (c) RS-ebb mode; (d) RS-flood mode. mode;
(d) RS-flood mode.
Figures 14 and 15 show the amplitudes of the pressure pulsations with a dominant frequency of
1fn onFigures
blade points
14 andRP 15 and
show RSthe
foramplitudes
different heads.
of the pressure pulsations with a dominant frequency of
Figure
1fn on blade14 shows
points RPthat
andthe
RS amplitudes
for differentwith
heads.dominant frequency of 1fn on blade points RP and RS
tend to vary little for different heads, and the amplitudesfrequency
Figure 14 shows that the amplitudes with dominant of 1fn on
on the suction sideblade pointssmaller
are much RP andthan
RS
tend to
those onvary little for different
the pressure side. Theheads, and the
amplitudes amplitudes
of the pressureon the suction
pulsations on side are muchside
the pressure smaller than
are higher
those
for theon the pressurerunner
three-bladed side. The
thanamplitudes
those for theof the pressure pulsations
four-bladed runner. on the pressure side are higher
for the three-bladed
Figure 15 showsrunner
that thethan those for with
amplitudes the four-bladed runner. of 1fn on blade points RP and RS
dominant frequency
tend toFigure 15 shows
linearly thatwith
increase the amplitudes
the head forwith flood dominant frequency
mode, while of 1fn on blade
the amplitudes points
on the RP side
suction and RS(RP
tend to linearly increase with the head for flood mode, while the amplitudes on the
for flood mode) are smaller than those on the pressure side (RS for flood mode). The amplitudes of the suction side (RP
for floodpulsations
pressure mode) are forsmaller than those on
the three-bladed the pressure
runner sidethe
are almost (RSsame
for flood mode).
as those Thefour-bladed
for the amplitudesrunner.
of the
pressure pulsations for the three-bladed runner are almost the same as those for the four-bladed runner.
Energies 2017, 10, 787 12 of 13
Energies2017,
Energies 2017,10,
10,787
787 12of
12 of13
13

Figure14.
Figure 14.Pressure
Pressurepulsation
pulsationamplitudes
amplitudeswith
withdominant
dominantfrequency
frequencyof
of1f1fnnnon
onblade
bladepoints
pointsRP
RPand
andRS
RS
forthe
for theebb
ebbturbine
turbinemode.
mode.

Figure15.
Figure 15.Pressure
Pressurepulsation
pulsationamplitudes
amplitudeswith
withdominant
dominantfrequency
frequencyof
of1f1fnnon
onblade
bladepoints
pointsRP
RPand
andRS
RS
n
for the flood turbine mode.
for the flood turbine mode.

5.Conclusions
5. Conclusions
5. Conclusions
Thispaper
This paper describesthe the completeoptimization
optimization procedurefor forthe
thedesign
design ofaabidirectional
bidirectionaltidal
tidal
This paper describes
describes the complete
complete optimization procedure procedure for the design of of a bidirectional tidal
bulb turbine
bulb turbine runner.
runner. TheThe procedure consists
consists of aa design
design program,
program, numerical
numerical flow analysis,
analysis, and aa
bulb turbine runner. The procedure
procedure consists of of a design program, numerical flow flow analysis, and and a
multi-objective genetic
multi-objective genetic algorithm which is completed in ANSYS Workbench automatically. TheCFD
CFD
multi-objective genetic algorithm
algorithm which
which is is completed
completed in in ANSYS
ANSYS Workbench
Workbench automatically.
automatically. The The CFD
results were
results were used
were used
used toto generate
to generate
generate RSMRSM functions
RSM functions relating
functions relating
relating the the design
the design parameters
design parameters
parameters and and
and thethe objectives.
the objectives.
objectives. TheThe
The
results
model tests
model tests were then
then conducted to to validate the the optimization results results and confirm
confirm the final final design.
model tests were
were then conducted
conducted to validate
validate the optimization
optimization results and and confirm the the final design.
design.
Using
Using 3D3D numerical
numerical flow
flow analysis
analysis in
in combination
combination with
with the
the genetic
genetic algorithm
algorithm is
is found
found to be
to be anan
Using 3D numerical flow analysis in combination with the genetic algorithm is found to be an
efficientapproach
efficient approachfor forthe
thedesign
designof of theturbine
turbine runner,and andititcan
can reducedesign
design timegreatly.
greatly.For
Forthethe
efficient approach for the design of the
the turbine runner,
runner, and it can reduce
reduce design time time greatly. For the
four-bladed turbine,
four-bladed turbine,
turbine,the the efficiency
theefficiency improvement
efficiencyimprovement
improvementis is is 5.5%
5.5% in the ebb operation direction, and 2.9% in
four-bladed 5.5% in in
thethe
ebb ebb operation
operation direction,
direction, andand2.9%2.9%
in thein
the flood
the flood operation
operation direction;
direction; while
while for the three-bladed
for three-bladed
the three-bladed turbine,
turbine, the efficiency
the efficiency improvement
improvement is 4.3%
is 4.3%
flood operation direction; while for the turbine, the efficiency improvement is 4.3% and
and4.5%,
and 4.5%,respectively.
respectively.The Theresults
resultsof ofthe
thepressure
pressurepulsations
pulsationsin inthe
theblade
bladeshow
showthatthatthethegravitational
gravitational
4.5%, respectively. The results of the pressure pulsations in the blade show that the gravitational effect,
effect,rather
effect, ratherthan
thanRSI,
RSI,plays
playsan animportant
importantrole rolein
inaalow-head
low-headhorizontal
horizontalaxial
axialturbine.
turbine.
rather than RSI, plays an important role in a low-head horizontal axial turbine.
This research has accumulated experience for the design of larger
This research has accumulated experience for the design of larger tidal generation units tidal generation units in
in the
the
future, which
future, which will
will precipitate
precipitate utilization
utilization of of tidal
tidal energy
energy and and be be helpful
helpful for
for the
the improvement
improvement of of the
the
actuality of tidal energy utilization.
actuality of tidal energy utilization.
 Energies 2017, 10, 787 13 of 13

This research has accumulated experience for the design of larger tidal generation units in the
future, which will precipitate utilization of tidal energy and be helpful for the improvement of the
actuality of tidal energy utilization.

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program
(No. 20151080459), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51409148, no. 51439002), and the Jiangxia
Tidal Test Power Station for supporting the present work.
Author Contributions: Zhengwei Wang conceived the study, Yongyao Luo and Xin Liu performed the numerical
simulation, Yongyao Luo and Yexiang Xiao conceived and designed the model units. Chenglian He and
Yiyang Zhang performed the model tests; Xin Liu analyzed the data; Yongyao Luo and Xin Liu wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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