TIDAL TURBINE DESIGNS
Turbines
There are many different turbine designs that
are emerging, from horizontal axis propellers to helical turbines (see our Research Document for more information). In order
to decide what type of turbine we were going to test, we created a design
matrix weighing the importance of many factors and how each of our top
considerations performs in those areas.
As seen in the matrix, the design that received the highest score was the
horizontal axis fixed blade propeller.
Other Work
Shaft Design –
Calculation of Maximum Shaft Torque
Our partner group needed to know the maximum torque that we
could expect on the shaft so that they could size it appropriately. Using the information found on the maximum
possible power that can be removed from the stream (see our Research Document), we
developed an interactive Mathcad sheet that allows you to calculate the shaft
torque. Mathcad version 11 or higher is
required: Torque Worksheet Manufacturing Evaluation and Budget Since our portion of the tidal turbine project involves the
design of just the turbine blades, our costs are basically what it costs to
acquire raw materials and create the turbines ourselves with the tools on
campus, or how much it costs to send our design out to be created by
specialized professionals.
We are currently considering two methods for creating our
prototype: fused deposition modeling (FDM) or computer numerical control (CNC)
machining. The necessary equipment for
both options can be found on the University
of Maine campus, or we
could outsource. For more information on the manufacturing options and their costs, read our manufacturing and budget summary.
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