Design and Optimization of a Gorlov-Type Hydrokinetic Turbine Array for Energy Generation Using Response Surface Methodology

Hydrokinetic arrays, or farms, offer a promising solution to the global energy crisis by enabling cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy generation in locations with water flows. This paper presents research focused on the design and optimization of a Gorlov-type vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbine array for power generation. The study involved (i) numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software with the six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tool, (ii) optimization techniques such as response surface methodology, and (iii) experimental testing in natural environments. The objective was to develop an efficient system with low manufacturing and maintenance costs. A key finding was that the separation distance between rotors, both along and across the fluid flow, is a critical parameter in designing hydrokinetic arrays. For this study, a triangular array configuration, termed Triframe, was used, consisting of three Gorlov-type turbines with four blades each. The optimization process led to separation distances based on the diameter (D) of the turbines, with 15.9672D along the fluid flow (X) and 4.15719D across the flow (Y). Finally, an experimental scale model of the hydrokinetic array was successfully constructed and characterized, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimization process described in this study.