The optimization of blade pitch settings of an air turbine using self-pitch-controlled blades for wave power conversion

This work investigated an air turbine with self-pitch-controlled blades ope rating in the airflow generated by an oscillating water column (OWC) tinder irregular wave conditions to determine turbine performance and identify th e optimum blade pitch angle setting. Rotor models with fixed blades were te sted under steady flow conditions. The running and starting characteristics of the turbine under irregular wave conditions were determined from a comp uter simulation that modeled both the turbine and the air chamber The perfo rmance of the air turbine was evaluated and the optimum rotor blade limit w as found to be about 10 degrees.