Abstract: Tidal current energy is a predictable and intensive type of energy with a broad prospect of further development. Horizontal axis tidal turbines are the most efficient devices for generating electricity from tidal current energy, and a large amount of experimental studies have been carried out globally on such turbines. This paper discusses both the domestic and the international experimental methods of horizontal axis tidal turbines, including laboratory facilities, experimental models, experimental platforms, and measurement methods. Summary and evaluation of the current model tests for horizontal axis turbines are made from the aspects of uniform flow and complicated working environment. We also discuss the deficiencies in the current model tests of the horizontal axis turbines and give suggestions to the further experiments, which would be meaningful for tidal energy harvesting.

Key words: tidal current energy, horizontal axis, turbine, experimental methods, complicated environment