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This thesis presents detailed investigations of the effect of end wall profiling on the secondary flow in a large scale, linear cascade with nozzle guide vanes. The purpose of this project is to look into the secondary flow structure in the linear cascade and the influence of the shaped end wall on the secondary flow. By applying the non-axisymmetric end wall, the secondary flow is reduced compared to the flat end wall data. The yaw angle variation at the exit of the blade passage is reduced. The cascade was designed according to the nozzle guide vane from ALSTOM Energy Ltd. It was manufactured and connected to the low speed wind tunnel in the Thermo- Fluids Lab in Durham. The data acquisition system was designed and commissioned. Five hole probes were designed and calibrated according to the cascade test condition. The flow field with the flat end wall in the cascade was investigated using five hole probes through different traverse slots. Flow visualisations were conducted as well. The secondary flow structure and the loss development in the cascade are understood. Transitional trips were put on the blade surfaces and their effects on the secondary flow were observed. The CFD code was modified to fit the cascade case. It was validated against the Durham standard case and the flat end wall results. Different numerical schemes and turbulence models were evaluated. Different shaped end walls were systematically tested by the CFD code. The best end wall profile was selected and manufactured. It was then tested in the cascade. Detailed investigations by five hole probes, flow visualisation and wall static pressure measurements were conducted. The results were compared to the flat end wall results and the CFD prediction. The secondary flow and the total pressure loss were reduced. The test data in the cascade will supply the evidence and data for the real turbine design. The chosen end wall profile will hopefully be tested in a test turbine.

The use of sailwing aerofoils in vertical axis wind turbines has been investigated. It was anticipated that this could make vertical axis turbines more suitable for water pumping and that this might help to meet the need for a cheap pump for irrigation existing in many parts of the world. A numerical analysis of the theoretical performance of such a turbine, using existing aerodynamic data for simply constructed sailwings, has been made. This gave an improved understanding of the operation of such turbines but showed a need for further aerodynamic data. Some new wind tunnel tests of sailwings are described in which the effect of pre-tension was investigated and four different fabrics were tested. The results are presented for angles of incidence up to 180 degrees and compared with previous data. With the fresh data, new performance predictions were made which led to the design of a two metre diameter prototype turbine. This used an inclined blade configuration with a guyed top bearing. Canvas was used for the sails. It was predicted that the turbine performance would be significantly affected by windspeed. The turbine was built and later tested in the open air. An acceleration test method was used and the tests generally confirmed the predictions. The averaged starting torque coefficient was about 0.07; the averaged peak power coefficient was about 0.1 at a tip speed ratio of 1.4. Consideration has been given to improving windpump system efficiency by improving the gust energy utilisation. Some tests of a diaphragm pump are described in which inertia flow effects were used. A pair of such pumps were later connected to the prototype turbine. A number of problems were encountered and satisfactory operation was not achieved in the time available. The main problem was the cyclic driving torque produced by the three bladed turbine.