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This is a Experimental Study study.

September 30, 2025Open Access

Experimental Study of the Efficiency of Hydrokinetic Turbines Under Real River Conditions

ASAlexander StanilovTechnical University of Sofia RSRangel SharkovTechnical University of Sofia AAAngel AlexandrovTechnical University of Sofia

Key Points

The K1–6 turbine runner achieved the highest power output and efficiency among tested turbines.
Velocity field measurements revealed how local flow conditions affect turbine performance significantly.
Selecting appropriate river sites and customizing turbine runners may enhance energy generation effectiveness.
Among tested models, the K2–4 turbine offered better rotational stability for varying flow environments.

Abstract

In recent years, a growing global effort has been underway to reduce the Earth’s carbon footprint. One of the main strategies to achieve this goal is the utilization of available renewable energy resources. Among the largest and most inexhaustible is hydro-power. This paper presents an experimental study of three hydrokinetic turbines tested under real river conditions, aiming to evaluate their effectiveness in harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water. The experiment is described in detail, including velocity field measurements conducted within the river section used for testing. Based on the experimental data, the main performance characteristics of the three turbines are presented, specifically their power output and efficiency. The importance of selecting an optimal riverbed site and customizing turbine runners to local flow conditions is highlighted, as even slight velocity fluctuations can significantly impact performance. Among the tested designs, the K1–6 turbine runner showed the highest power and efficiency, while the K2–4 runner provided superior rotational stability, making it promising for consistent energy output in variable flow environments

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