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Impulsively started wide actuator surfaces in high Reynolds number steady flow

This novel study combined numerical, analytical and experimental approaches to better understand the performance of wide aspect-ratio underwater current turbines, for renewable energy extraction. These turbines have been proposed for shallow marine environments. The work revealed the development of significant loads in turbines, upon start-up from rest, and concluded that designers must either include these loads in their structural design or implement “soft-start” control methodologies. Results revealed that even a "soft-start" simple control algorithm could achieve a substantial decrease in structural loading. The second author is applying these results to the design and implementation of marine renewable energy turbines.