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Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of a Kaplan Prototype Turbine Operating on a Cam Curve

Author

Listed:
  • Raluca Gabriela Iovănel

    (Division of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden)

  • Arash Soltani Dehkharqani

    (R&D Engineer, Svenska Rotor Maskiner, Svarvarvägen 2, 132 38 Saltsjö-Boo, Sweden)

  • Diana Maria Bucur

    (Department of Hydraulics, Hydraulic Equipment and Environmental Engineering, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Michel Jose Cervantes

    (Division of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden)

Abstract

The role of hydropower has become increasingly essential following the introduction of intermittent renewable energies. Quickly regulating power is needed, and the transient operations of hydropower plants have consequently become more frequent. Large pressure fluctuations occur during transient operations, leading to the premature fatigue and wear of hydraulic turbines. Investigations of the transient flow phenomena developed in small-scale turbine models are useful and accessible but limited. On the other hand, experimental and numerical studies of full-scale large turbines are challenging due to production losses, large scales, high Reynolds numbers, and computational demands. In the present work, the operation of a 10 MW Kaplan prototype turbine was modelled for two operating points on a propeller curve corresponding to the best efficiency point and part-load conditions. First, an analysis of the possible means of reducing the model complexity is presented. The influence of the boundary conditions, runner blade clearance, blade geometry and mesh size on the numerical results is discussed. Secondly, the results of the numerical simulations are presented and compared to experimental measurements performed on the prototype in order to validate the numerical model. The mean torque and pressure values were reasonably predicted at both operating points with the simplified model. An analysis of the pressure fluctuations at part load demonstrated that the numerical simulation captured the rotating vortex rope developed in the draft tube. The frequencies of the rotating and plunging components of the rotating vortex were accurately captured, but the amplitudes were underestimated compared to the experimental data.

Suggested Citation

  • Raluca Gabriela Iovănel & Arash Soltani Dehkharqani & Diana Maria Bucur & Michel Jose Cervantes, 2022. "Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of a Kaplan Prototype Turbine Operating on a Cam Curve," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:11:p:4121-:d:831206
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Raluca G. Iovănel & Georgiana Dunca & Diana M. Bucur & Michel J. Cervantes, 2020. "Numerical Simulation of the Flow in a Kaplan Turbine Model during Transient Operation from the Best Efficiency Point to Part Load," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-21, June.
    2. Unterluggauer, Julian & Sulzgruber, Verena & Doujak, Eduard & Bauer, Christian, 2020. "Experimental and numerical study of a prototype Francis turbine startup," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 1212-1221.
    3. Hao, Yue & Tan, Lei, 2018. "Symmetrical and unsymmetrical tip clearances on cavitation performance and radial force of a mixed flow pump as turbine at pump mode," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 368-376.
    4. Presas, Alexandre & Luo, Yongyao & Wang, Zhengwei & Guo, Bao, 2019. "Fatigue life estimation of Francis turbines based on experimental strain measurements: Review of the actual data and future trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 96-110.
    5. Sotoudeh, Nahale & Maddahian, Reza & Cervantes, Michel J., 2020. "Investigation of Rotating Vortex Rope formation during load variation in a Francis turbine draft tube," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 238-254.
    6. Li, Deyou & Song, Yechen & Lin, Song & Wang, Hongjie & Qin, Yonglin & Wei, Xianzhu, 2021. "Effect mechanism of cavitation on the hump characteristic of a pump-turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 369-383.
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    1. Raluca Gabriela Iovănel & Arash Soltani Dehkharqani & Michel Jose Cervantes, 2022. "Numerical Simulation of a Kaplan Prototype during Speed-No-Load Operation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.

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