A novel generative–predictive data-driven approach for multi-objective optimization of horizontal axis tidal turbine

Tidal turbines play a critical role in converting the kinetic energy of water into electricity, contributing significantly to energy conversion. However, the current optimization design of these turbines involves computationally intensive simulations, leading to higher design costs. Additionally, traditional parameterized modeling methods, constrained by predefined design parameters, limit the exploration of innovative designs. In response, this study introduces an innovative data-driven “generative–predictive” design approach comprising a generative model and a predictive model. The generative model autonomously learns feature representations from existing turbines and leverages this knowledge to generate a novel set of turbines with superior hydrodynamic performance. Subsequently, an efficient performance evaluation is conducted using a predictive model for the generated turbines. Compared to the current parameterized modeling approaches, the proposed approach is combined with multi-objective optimization algorithm to optimize the tidal turbine hydrodynamic performance. Research results demonstrate that the generative model, trained on gradients, can generate highly complex turbines with minimal latent vectors. Through transfer learning, the predictive model exhibits robustness and accuracy, effectively guiding the design process. In the final optimization comparison, the proposed generative–predictive design approach requires only 4% of the optimization time while achieving results similar to or surpassing traditional design approaches. This approach proves to be a powerful tool for guiding the efficient and optimized design of turbines.