Structural Strength Study for Vertical Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine Frame

One of the renewable energy sources is ocean currents which can be extracted with the Darrieus vertical axis hydrokinetic turbine (VAHT). This research aims to analyze the deformation and structural stresses that occur in the Darrieus VAHT support frame due to the loads. In the VAHT installation, it is necessary to have a support structure in the form of a solid frame, so that the turbine remains in a stable condition when operating. The VAHT frame must be able to withstand the load from a rotating turbine and have a small drag force. This study conducted a numerical simulation using the finite element analysis method. The effect of the cross-sectional shape of the structural beams on the drag due to flow was also investigated. The result is the frame designed with the ASTM A36 Grade B pipe structure has maximum stress of 63,116 MPa and it is relatively smaller and remains within the safe limits of the material. In addition, based on CFD simulation, the drag caused by the flow across the structure with this design is also smaller. Therefore, this study can be used as a consideration in making decisions to design the Darrieus VAHT frame.