Abstract
This paper presents the results of the experimental and numerical investigation of a small prototype of a high solidity Wells turbine. The prototype, with blades of constant chord and NACA0015 profile, has been designed in order to be matched with the REWEC (Resonant Wave Energy Converter) breakwater located off the beach of Reggio Calabria. The aim of this work is to characterize the turbine performance and determine the causes of the main losses in order to improve the turbine design. In particular, the simulations have been devoted to evaluate the influence of the hub-nose geometry at the entrance and the tip gap on the turbine performance.