Inner Flow Analysis of Kaplan Turbine under Off-Cam Conditions

Dandan Yan, Haiqiang Luo, Weiqiang Zhao, Yibin Wu, Lingjiu Zhou (), Xiaofu Fan and Zhengwei Wang
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Dandan Yan: College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Haiqiang Luo: Guangxi Dateng Gorge Water Conservancy Project Development Co., Ltd., Guiping 530200, China
Weiqiang Zhao: Institute of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Technologies, PowerChina Renewable Energy Co., Ltd., Beijing 100101, China
Yibin Wu: Guangxi Dateng Gorge Water Conservancy Project Development Co., Ltd., Guiping 530200, China
Lingjiu Zhou: College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Xiaofu Fan: Guangxi Dateng Gorge Water Conservancy Project Development Co., Ltd., Guiping 530200, China
Zhengwei Wang: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Kaplan turbines are widely utilized in low-head and large flow power stations. This paper employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to complete numerical calculations of the full flow channel under different blade angles and various guide vane openings, based on 25 off-cam experimental working conditions. The internal flow characteristics of the runner blade and draft tube are analyzed, and a discriminant number for quantitatively assessing the flow uniformity of the draft tube is proposed. The results indicate that low-frequency and high-amplitude pressure pulsations occur on the high- and low-pressure edge of the blade when the opening is small, with pulsations decreasing as the opening increases. The inner flow line of the draft tube is disturbed when both the blade angle and opening are small. Additionally, the secondary frequency of the draft tube inlet is double that of the vane passing frequency. The discriminant number of the flow inhomogeneity approaches 0 under optimal flow conditions. The number increases continuously with the decrease in efficiency, and the flow in the three piers of draft tube becomes more nonuniform. The research results provide a reference for enhancing performance and ensuring the operational stability of Kaplan turbines.

Keywords: Kaplan turbine; CFD; flow characteristics; pressure pulsation; off-cam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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