Overview of ongoing research by current group members:
Low-head hydropower for unpowered dams/weirs
The group is evaluating turbine technology for low-head hydropower as well as the environmental impact through simulation (CFD) and experimental analysis. We collaborate with Central State University (experimental facilities and turbine design) as well as the Hamilton startup kWRiver Hydrolectric. The experimental work is being performed at Central State University and the simulation based work is performed with support from the OSU SIMCenter.
Collaborators / Supporters:
Hydrokinetic turbines for tidal and river applications
The group is conducting CFD analyses of the Smart Hydro Power Free stream turbine that has been developed for canal applications. The analysis focusses on power prediction through CFD study including prediction of particular installation conditions. Turbine and measurement data is provided by German start-up Smart Hydro Power GmbH.
Collaborators / Supporters:
Flume measurement characterization
The group is characterizing flow velocity measurement equipment for use in experimental flumes to support analysis of turbine and weir design as well as in a teaching setting. There is a small teaching flume available in Hitchcock Hall that the group has access to and is evaluating for hydropower research potential.
Wind turbine aero-acoustics
The dominant noise source generated by wind turbines is the interaction of the turbulent boundary layer with the trailing edge of the turbine blade. This noise can be passively reduced with serrated trailing edges. The group is investigating reduced order CFD modeling techniques, using hybrid RANS/LES methods, as a means of predicting the sound levels generated from wind turbine airfoils with serrated trailing edges.