An Exhaustive Review of Research and Development of Tesla Turbine Technology

Abstract

This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of recent advancements in Tesla disc turbine technology, with an emphasis on both theoretical modelling and experimental validation across diverse energy applications. Analytical frameworks and CFD simulations have been extensively employed to investigate the viscous-dominated, complex flow dynamics within the rotor, highlighting the influence of centrifugal, Coriolis, inertial, and viscous forces in power extraction. Performance is highly sensitive to disc geometry, spacing, and nozzle design, with isentropic efficiencies exceeding 0.75 under idealized conditions. Experimental studies complement these findings by introducing novel low-loss nozzles, torque measurement techniques, and demonstrating up to 30% power enhancement using nanofluids. Similitude and scaling laws have been developed to support accurate prototyping. In parallel, surface roughness, unavoidable at microscale, has been investigated numerically via 3D conical peak models, revealing its substantial impact on pressure drop and highlighting the need for precise hydraulic diameter characterization in design models. Extending beyond internal flow systems, Tesla turbine principles have also been validated in marine energy research through a 300 W counter-rotating horizontal axis tidal turbine (HATT). Designed via blade element momentum theory and tested using a novel large-radius rotating arm tank, the HATT demonstrated strong agreement between CFD and experimental data, validating its hydrodynamic design and performance potential. Collectively, these efforts underscore the Tesla turbine’s viability in organic Rankine cycles, micro-CHP systems, tidal power extraction, and small-scale renewable energy applications, where cost-effectiveness, scalability, and design flexibility are critical.