A Review: Design and Optimization Approaches of the Darrieus Water Turbine

Abstract

As the use of Darrieus turbines in water is becoming increasingly popular in the field of renewable energy, it is essential to explore and evaluate existing research efforts. The situation of the Darrieus water turbine in water still requires further discussion. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of optimization methods for Darrieus water turbines, addressing the challenges associated with their efficiency, start-up, and stability. This work summarizes and evaluates the findings of previous studies, focusing on the features of experimental and numerical methods. Influence of geometric parameters, including height-diameter ratio, solidity, torsional angle, and airfoil are also talked into. The existing research adopts solidity values ranging from 0.1 to 0.4, but the design experience is not as extensive as that of the Darrieus wind turbine. Further discussions are still needed on the optimal power coefficient and tip speed ratio of the Darrieus water turbine. The research with a power coefficient ranging from about zero to above the Betz limit needs further summarization. Various optimization strategies, such as multi-turbine arrangement, coupling with Savonius turbines, and blade pitching, are also discussed. By offering insights into the current state of optimization works for Darrieus water turbines, this review aims to facilitate future research, bridge existing gaps in the field, further enrich the utilization of ocean currents, and improve the structure of renewable energy.