Development of an Analytical Model to Predict the Performance of Paddle Wheel in Generating Electricity and Its Validation Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd)

This paper presents an analytical model to predict the performance curve of a special paddle wheel in generating power from moving water. The model is developed based on the force balance and the conservation of momentum in the rotating reference frame. The model considers the most influential factors affecting the performance of the paddle wheel such as drag and lift forces in the referential coordinates. Then, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is employed to simulate and validate the developed analytical model. The simulation results demonstrate that the model is accurate enough to be used for estimation of power in early design and operating stages.