Data for Flexible Rubber Blades for Tidal Turbines paper

Tidal energy offers a predictable renewable resource but faces challenges from unsteady hydrodynamic loads that increase turbine costs and reduce lifespan. Flexible rubber blades with chordwise trailing-edge deformation present a passive alternative to complex active pitch systems for load mitigation. Here} We experimentally demonstrate that such flexible blades achieve equivalent total energy yield over simulated tidal cycles compared to rigid blades with active pitch control, while \st{reducing peak thrust and} mitigating high-frequency fatigue-inducing load fluctuations by up to one third. This passive load regulation arises from aeroelastic deformation that flattens blade camber under load, enabling structural robustness without added mechanical complexity. These findings suggest that chordwise-flexible blades can enhance tidal turbine durability and performance, offering a promising pathway toward more reliable and cost-effective tidal energy generation.