Cross Flow Turbine Controller Trade-offs in Optimizing LCOE

In this paper we present the effect that different operating regions of a cross flow turbine have on the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of the turbine power system. An optimal LCOE for a cross flow turbine is typically assumed to occur when the turbine is operating at its maximum hydrodynamic efficiency. However, by adjusting the turbine’s speed the system’s LCOE can be positively affected, although reducing its hydrodynamic efficiency. For the ocean energy industry to become a mainstream source of power, its technology’s LCOE must be competitive with alternatives for a given application and region, and therefore all paths to reducing this metric must be explored.