Performance optimization of shaft tubular water turbine at Yunxi hydropower station

Using Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation, the standard S-A turbulent flow model, SIMPLEC algorithm, and Computational Fluid Dynamics, we conducted numerical simulation of the flow field in the flow channel of the water turbine at Yunxi hydropower station under different schemes, and analyzed the effects of the impeller diameter, blade airfoil, number of blades, blade angle, wheel hub, impeller speed, guide vane airfoil, angle between the guide vane axis and centerline of the unit, number of guide vanes, installation positions of blades and guide vanes, and guide vane opening on the performance of the water turbine. When there were 3 blades, the performance of the turbine unit was optimal. The maximum efficiency of the unit occurred when the speed was 187.5 r/min and the number of guide vanes was 15. We optimized the parts of the original flow channel, and applied the optimized runner to the power station for numerical calculation. According to the results of numerical simulation of the whole flow channel, we predicted the hydraulic performance of the unit after renovation. According to the numerical calculation results, we made a model water turbine and conducted model tests and prototype tests. The results showed that the numerical simulation, model test, and on-site operation results had a consistent variation trend, and that the numerical simulation results can basically accurately reflect the external characteristics and internal flow field characteristics of the power station.

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