This PhD thesis has been carried out within the framework of the HARVEST project. This research program, initiated in 2001 by the LEGI laboratory (Grenoble, France), is devoted to the development of a new marine turbine concept inspired from Darrieus turbines in order to convert kinetic energy of marine, tidal or river currents into electric energy. This work has been focused on the development of an experimental apparatus based on two dimensions – two components (2D-2C) and two dimensions – three components (2D-3C) Particle Image Velocimetry. The objective is to provide an experimental database for the local validation of 2D and 3D RANS computations and to improve our understanding of unsteady hydrodynamics phenomena experienced in this type of turbine and especially of dynamic stall. Comparison between measurements and computations enabled to identify strengths and limitations of numerical models for various operating conditions of this type of turbine.
