Tests with Scale Models

For definition and choice of the best Accelerator Model to be adopted in reality, different profile Scale Models were tested on the real environment, all defined by a channel narrower diameter of 300 mm. 

Because of security reasons the experiments were performed on a place of steady water (at the Fishing Port Bay of Peniche City).  The stream effect was simulated fixing the duct scale models immersed to raft { with dimensions L x W = 5 m x 3,8 m } built for the propose, dragging them under water with the raft in motion.

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To test the Accelerator Models efficiency, several measurements were performed, in the absence of any flow constrains and with 3 predefined loads L1, L2 and L3 obstructing respectively 58%, 72% and 82% of the narrower channel section. The following variables were measured as functions of the raft velocity (equivalent to the stream velocity Vc):

• The flow velocity through the channel narrower zone Vt, in the absence of any flow constraints;

• The flow velocity through the channel narrower zone Vt, measured before a load offering resistance to flow (for loads L1, L2 and L3);

• The static pressure P measured transversally to flow direction, in the channel narrower zone, before a load offering resistance to flow (for loads L1, L2 and L3).