Review of research on wake characteristics in horizontal-axis tidal turbines

Tidal current energy technology is gradually maturing and transitioning towards large-scale development. The vision for tidal energy development is similar to wind farms, involving the deployment of multiple tidal turbines to create tidal farms. The wake interactions between turbines in these farms are significant and have a clear impact on overall performance. Extensive research on tidal turbine wakes has resulted in varied conclusions due to differing research methods, device features, and flow fields. This diversity hampers researchers and companies seeking a quick and comprehensive understanding of tidal turbine wake characteristics. This paper reviews studies on the wake characteristics of horizontal-axis tidal turbines, analyzing methods and identifying key factors affecting wake patterns. Additionally, it examines the research landscape of horizontal-axis wind turbines to highlight gaps in understanding tidal turbine wakes. Research shows that using different numerical simulations and experimental methods can have a significant impact on wake results. The operating conditions of tidal turbines significantly impact the wake, while structural features primarily affect the near-field wake. Additionally, the wake undergoes noticeable changes under the influence of the incoming flow and environmental conditions.