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Alberto Aliseda

Energy Research Area: Energy generation from tidal currents. Hydrokinetics of submerged turbines for performance optimization and environmental impact assessment.

Assistant Professor
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

We are studying the hydrodynamics of submerged turbines located in regions of strong tidal currents for energy extraction. The fluid mechanics of this complex turbulent flow, in the presence of stratification, sediment, cavitation, etc., represents an important scientific challenge with direct implications on the feasibility of the technology and its potential environmental impact.

Flow Streamlines along the blade of a rotating turbine rotor. Notice the small flow separation region on the lower right. This information is critical in optimizing the blade design and operating conditions
Flow Streamlines along the blade of a rotating turbine rotor. Notice the small flow separation region on the lower right. This information is critical in optimizing the blade design and operating conditions

Research Images

Velocity Magnitude at different sections just upstream (negative values of Y/R), at (y/R=0) and just downstream (positive values of Y/R) of the turbine rotor. Data is significant to evaluate performance and environmental impact of the turbine Velocity profile and color contours in the far wake of a turbine (situated at Y/R=0). The excluded region is the turbine hub (not modeled). The evolution of the flow in the wake of the turbine is key in many environmental processes

Campus and Other Collaborators/Partners

  • Alex Horner-Devine (CEE)
  • Andy Jessup
  • Brian Fabien (ME)
  • Brian Polagye
  • Chris Chickadel (Applied Physics Lab)
  • Jim Riley
  • Jim Thomson
  • Phil Malte

Record last updated on March 24th 2010 PDT.