Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Submission Date
August 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
As a relatively novel source of energy extraction, many design concepts for ocean current turbines (OCTs) still lack the analyses required to mature their technological readiness. This study addresses this issue as it provides a numerical simulation tool for lifting surface controlled OCTs. The performance of a 1.4 MW moored, dual-rotor, lifting surface-controlled OCT operating in a total water depth of 375 m is then numerically evaluated using this tool. Algorithms are based on published OCT research with modifications developed for the present design. Performance is evaluated at varied flow velocities, turbulence intensities, and control surface positions to represent normal and extreme conditions in the ocean with open-loop control. A closed-loop PID controller is tuned and used to reevaluate performance. The performance is characterized by the resulting operating ranges, Euler angles, and power generation. This work provides a basis for future optimization and development of the lifting surface-controlled OCT design
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
James VanZwieten
Recommended Citation
Mital, Kiran, "MODELING AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A LIFTING SURFACE CONTROLLED OCEAN CURRENT TURBINE" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 131.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/131