Emerging Science Journal
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): June

Steady and Transient CFD Analysis of a Vertical Axis Ocean Current Turbine

Rasgianti (Power Generation System Research Department, PT PLN (Persero) Research Institute, Jakarta Selatan 12760)
Agus Suprianto (Research Center for Aeronautics Technology, ORPA BRIN, Bogor 16350)
Ariyana D. Nugraha (Power Generation System Research Department, PT PLN (Persero) Research Institute, Jakarta Selatan 12760)
Teguh Muttaqie (Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Surabaya 60112)
Ristiyanto Adiputra (Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Surabaya 60112)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

Vertical-axis turbines (VATs) are a promising hydrokinetic technology for harvesting renewable energy from ocean currents. Still, their performance depends strongly on design parameters and flow interaction at different azimuthal angles. This study evaluates the performance of a VAT using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations carried out under both steady-state and transient flow conditions. ANSYS CFX is used in the steady-state analysis to estimate torque and power output at various flow velocities and rotational speeds (RPM). At the same time, ANSYS Fluent is applied in the transient analysis to examine time-dependent torque behavior and azimuthal effects under unsteady flow. The steady-state results show that torque and power increase with higher flow velocity and rotational speed, reaching maximum values of 37,079 Nm and 291.86 kW at 4 m/s and 40 RPM. The transient results indicate periodic torque oscillations that become more stable at higher flow velocities, with peak turbine efficiency at 3 m/s, followed by a decrease at 4 m/s due to possible hydrodynamic losses. These findings provide clearer insight into VAT performance under realistic operating conditions and may support future efforts to improve hydrokinetic turbine design.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ESJ

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science

Description

Emerging Science Journal is not limited to a specific aspect of science and engineering but is instead devoted to a wide range of subfields in the engineering and sciences. While it encourages a broad spectrum of contribution in the engineering and sciences. Articles of interdisciplinary nature are ...