Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Shroud Effects of a Ducted Turbine on Upwind and Downwind Flows

Existence of coastal regions in Iran has made this country a potential area to produce hydro-electric. Ducted or shrouded turbines generate more output power by increasing fluid velocity; therefore, they turn potential areas to actual areas to produce electricity. The purpose of this study is to investigate effects of a shroud with airfoil cross-section form on upwind and downwind streams which is a vital parameter of performance and usage of this kind of turbines. To do this, the fluid velocity was measured at eight sections behind and in front of the shroud in total and the velocity profiles were compared with numerical simulation results. The results showed that the inconsiderable increase of pressure in front and fast disappearance of the effects of shroud behind it, which is as a result of specific streamed-line design, are some advantages that cause to install more shrouds in a defined area.