Characterization of flow through an array of cylinders modeling Marine Hydrokinetic support structures

Abstract

The flow around an array of vertical solid surface mounted cylinders is characterized. These cylinders model the support structures used for a Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) device. MHK devices extract the kinetic energy of flowing water and use it to turn an electrical generator. Array configuration is thought to contribute to performance and the amount of extractable power. For example an offset array might extract more energy than a side-by-side array. The offset array could extract more energy from the flow by having the wakes of the upstream structures funnel the incident flow, increasing kinetic energy flux onto a downstream turbine.