Hydrodynamic performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine under steady flow conditions

Performance characteristics are presented for a two-bladed horizontal axis tidal turbine, representing a 1/25
^th
scale operational turbine. The tests were conducted in a 116 m long tow tank facility at the United States Naval Academy. The performance characteristics of power and thrust coefficient are measured for the turbine for a range of tip speed ratios. The results of the model test are applicable to full scale due to Re number independence of the rotor blades for the tested conditions. A full uncertainty analysis is performed and major sources of uncertainty are identified. Uncertainty levels are 4% and 1% for power and thrust coefficient respectively, and 3% for the tip speed ratio.