Haifa El-Sadi, Cameron Roderick, Brendan Reilly, Edmund Agyekum

Abstract: Harnessing renewable energy from water currents, such as rivers and tidal streams, without extensive infrastructure, positions hydrokinetic turbines as a highly promising technology. This research details the design and optimization of hydrokinetic turbine blade profiles to significantly improve their efficiency and overall performance. A comprehensive analysis, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, was conducted to investigate the influence of varying angles on blade hydrodynamic performance. Our evaluation encompassed diverse blade profiles, seeking to optimize efficiency under various flow conditions, with dual objectives of maximizing power output and mitigating cavitation and structural stress. The findings conclusively demonstrate that the optimal selection of the blade angle can substantially enhance turbine efficiency, thus bolstering its potential for large-scale energy production. Furthermore, a specific angle of 67.5 degrees exhibited an unexpectedly superior power output compared to angles of 15 and 45 degrees. This work advances hydrokinetic technology and provides a robust framework for the continued optimization of renewable energy systems.

Keywords: CFD, energy, hydrokinetic turbine, blade angle

Date Published: November 26, 2025
DOI: 10.11159/jffhmt.2025.036

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