Experimental Study on the Performance of Three Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbines
International Journal of Energy Research, vol.2026, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1155/er/2341781
- Journal Name: International Journal of Energy Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: experimental hydrodynamics, hydrokinetic energy, power coefficient, vertical-axis turbines
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines have shown remarkable potential as a renewable energy option. However, their hydrodynamic performance remains uncategorized under turbulent, sedimented river flow conditions. This study presents a thorough and systematic experimental investigation to understand the impact of induced flow dynamics on three primary turbine types: the Gorlov, Darrieus, and Savonius turbines. Experiments were conducted under identical flow conditions to ensure a valid comparison of their performance and to accurately categorize their optimal flow conditions. The turbine prototypes were three-dimensional (3D)-printed and scaled to operate at flow velocities ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 m/s. Results show that induced secondary flows and wakes are minimal for the Darrieus and Gorlov turbines, allowing them to achieve their highest efficiencies at higher flow velocities, with maximum power coefficients of 0.279 and 0.232, respectively, at 1 m/s. However, the Savonius turbine, due to its impeller and abstracting blades, induces significant flow separation, resulting in substantial damping at high velocities and significant performance loss. The induced drag rapidly decreases at velocities below 0.75 m/s, leading to sustained high performance. Detailed analytical evaluations further suggest that the 12% blockage ratio leads to a minor systematic performance overestimation of ~6%–8%, while the comparative rankings remain robust. Uncertainty analysis confirms the reliability of the findings, with relative error percentages for the power and torque coefficients determined to range from 2.05% to 2.22% and from 2.29% to 2.43%, respectively. Overall, the findings provide guidance on selecting vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines for varying river flow conditions.