The aerodynamics of the Wells turbine has been studied using a 3- dimensional, unstructured mesh flow solver for the Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes equations. The basic feature of the Wells turbine is that even though the cyclic airflow produces oscillating axial forces on the airfoil blades, the tangential force on the rotor is always in the same direction. Geometry used to define the 3- dimensional numerical grid is based upon that of an experimental test rig. The 3-dimensional Wells turbine model, consisting of approximate 220,000 cells is tested at four axial flow rates. In the calculations the angle of attack has been varied between 10° and 30° of blades. Representative results from each case are presented graphically and analyzed. It is concluded that this method holds much promise for future development of Wells turbines.
Much attention in recent years has been focused on the availability of natural or renewable energy because of environmental damage and for the purpose of energy replacement. Many ocean energies such as wave, tide, wind and solar energy etc. especially potential wave power is useful and economic. A number of prototype wave power plants have already been in operation in Japan, England and Norway, which have plenty of wave power sources. There are technical difficulties such as power change and installation problem of a great power plant on the sea for the purpose of wave energy generation, but we expect that in the beginning of year 2000 it is possible to generate great wave power. The fixed prototype of wave power plant was operated in Kaimei, Japan(240 KW power) and JAMSTEC proceeded to install a buoyancy type of wave power plant(540 KW power). A wave power plant is being driven m Queen's university of Belfast, United Kingdom(75 KW power).