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CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 25769

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Santiago Lain

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Guest Editor

Department of Energetics and Mechanics, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Cali 760030, Colombia
Interests: CFD; numerical methods; turbulence; two-phase flow; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Omar Dario Lopez Mejia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota 111711, Colombia
Interests: CFD; RANS and hybrid RANS-LES turbulence modelling; computational aerodynamics; renewable energy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increase in the computational power and capacity of the current computers has accelerated the application of numerical methods, in particular CFD, in order to handle complex problems arising in industrial and environmental contexts. The design, analysis, development, and troubleshooting of water turbines is one specific application that has greatly benefited from such a rapid advance of numerical methods.

This Special Issue titled “CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines” aims to present recent novel research trends based on advanced CFD techniques for water turbines. The following topics, among others, will be included in this Issue:

CFD numerical methods (i.e., URANS, LES, hybrid, DNS, etc.) applied to simulation of water turbines
Performance of dynamic meshes (sliding mesh, overset mesh, IBM, etc.)
Unsteady and transient phenomena in water turbines
Design and optimization of water turbines
Wake development and recovery
Interaction turbine - free surface dynamics
Conventional (i.e., hydraulic machines) and non-conventional turbines (e.g., hydrokinetic)
Fluid–structure interaction
Two-phase phenomena in water turbines (e.g. erosion and cavitation)

We look forward to receiving your contribution to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Santiago Lain
Dr. Omar Dario Lopez Mejia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS)
large eddy simulation (LES)
direct numerical simulation (DNS)
hybrid methods
turbulent transient flow
dynamic mesh techniques
wake dynamics
free surface dynamics
erosion
cavitation

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on “CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines”

by Santiago Lain and Omar Darío Lopez Mejia

Processes 2022, 10(11), 2410; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10112410 - 15 Nov 2022

Viewed by 858

Abstract

Climate change and the energy crisis are two main problems that humanity is currently facing and that require immediate action [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 4360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Energy Loss Characteristics of Pump-Turbine during Abnormal Shutdown

by Yuxuan Deng, Jing Xu, Yanna Li, Yanli Zhang and Chunyan Kuang

Processes 2022, 10(8), 1628; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10081628 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1228

Abstract

Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) stations are an efficient emission-free technology to balance renewable energy generation instabilities. The pump-turbine is a core component of PSH stations requiring frequent start-up, shutdown, and working conditions for regulation tasks, making it prone to instabilities. Based on entropy production theory and vortex dynamics, we analyzed the energy loss characteristics for three working conditions of the pump, pump brake, and turbine when shutting down the pump-turbine. The results showed that the entropy production and vorticity of the spiral casing and draft tube remain almost constant, while the entropy production and vorticity of the runner region substantially change from the late pump braking to the late turbine condition. The entropy production and vorticity are derived from the guide vane transitioning to the runner flow channel through the vaneless space. The change law of energy loss through entropy production agrees with the change law of internal flow turbulence through vorticity. The entropy production analysis can quantify the energy loss and mark its location, while the vorticity analysis can quantify the degree of flow disturbance and show its location. The entropy production theory and vortex dynamics combination provide insights into the connection between undesirable flow phenomena and energy loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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17 pages, 35603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Guide Vane Profile Change on Draft Tube Flow Characteristics of Water Pump Turbine

by Qifei Li, Lu Xin, Gengda Xie, Siqi Liu and Qifan Wang

Processes 2022, 10(8), 1494; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10081494 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1584

Abstract

In order to study the influence of the change of the guide vane airfoil on the flow characteristics in the draft tube of a reversible hydraulic turbine, a reversible hydraulic turbine was used as the object of study, and the effect of the change on the flow pattern, energy loss, and pressure pulsation in the draft tube area was studied based on the SST k-ω turbulence model. The results show that under low flow conditions, the modified movable guide vane directly affects the direction and speed of water entering the draft tube, reduces the density of vortex in the draft tube area, reduces the impact on the near wall of the draft tube during the rotation of the vortex belt, and improves the stability of the unit operation. The turbulent energy comparison graph shows that the energy loss in the bent elbow section and the diffusion section of the draft tube is reduced, and the energy return coefficient of the draft tube is improved by calculating that the energy recovery level of the draft tube is improved under different operating conditions. A comparative analysis of the pressure pulsation in the draft tube area before and after the modification in combination with the development of the vortex belt shows that the modified movable guide vane effectively reduces the vibration intensity in the draft tube area and improves the stable operation threshold of the unit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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22 pages, 17275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for the Integrated Optimal Design of Multiphase Pump Based on the Sparse Grid Model

by Cancan Peng, Xiaodong Zhang, Yongqiang Chen, Yan Gong, Hedong Li and Shaoxiong Huang

Processes 2022, 10(7), 1317; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10071317 - 05 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

Multiphase pumps are used as an important tool for natural gas hydrate extraction owing to their excellent gas–liquid mixing and transport properties. This paper proposes an adaptive response surface-based integrated optimization design method. A model pump is designed based on the axial flow pump design theory. The model pump is numerically simulated and analyzed to obtain its performance parameters. Then the structural and performance parameters of the pump are parameterized to establish a closed-loop input–output system. Based on this closed-loop system, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the structural parameters of the impeller and guide vane, and the parameters that affect the performance of the gas–liquid hybrid pump the most are derived. The Sparse Grid method was introduced to design the experiment and construct the approximate model. The structural parameters of the impeller and guide vane are used as design variables to optimize the pressure increment and efficiency of the pump. After optimization, the pressure increment of the multiphase pump was increased by 10.78 KPa and the efficiency was increased by 0.89% compared to the original model. Finally, we validate the accuracy of the optimized model with tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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22 pages, 5829 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of a Hydrokinetic Turbine Backwater Prediction Model for Inland Flow through Validated CFD Models

by Chantel Monica Niebuhr, Craig Hill, Marco Van Dijk and Lelanie Smith

Processes 2022, 10(7), 1310; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10071310 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1800

Abstract

Hydrokinetic turbine deployment in inland water reticulation systems such as irrigation canals has potential for future renewable energy development. Although research and development analysing the hydrodynamic effects of these turbines in tidal applications has been carried out, inland canal system applications with spatial constraints leading to possible blockage and backwater effects resulting from turbine deployment have not been considered. Some attempts have been made to develop backwater models, but these were site-specific and performed under constant operational conditions. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a generic and simplified method for calculating the backwater effect of HK turbines in inland systems. An analytical backwater approximation based on assumptions of performance metrics and inflow conditions was tested using validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. For detailed prediction of the turbine effect on the flow field, CFD models based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with Reynolds stress closure models were employed. Additionally, a multiphase model was validated through experimental results to capture the water surface profile and backwater effect with reasonable accuracy. The developed analytical backwater model showed good correlation with the experimental results. The model’s energy-based approach provides a simplified tool that is easily incorporated into simple backwater approximations, while also allowing the inclusion of retaining structures as additional blockages. The model utilizes only the flow velocity and the thrust coefficient, providing a useful tool for first-order analysis of the backwater from the deployment of inland turbine systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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39 pages, 7830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power Regulation and Fault Diagnostics of a Three-Pond Run-of-River Hydropower Plant

by Ahmad Saeed, Adnan Umar Khan, Muhammad Iqbal, Fahad R. Albogamy, Sadia Murawwat, Ebrahim Shahzad, Athar Waseem and Ghulam Hafeez

Processes 2022, 10(2), 392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10020392 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1839

Abstract

Hydropower generation is one of the most prominent renewable sources of power. Run-of-river hydropower is like traditional hydropower but has significantly less environmental impact. Faults in industrial processes are a cause for large amounts of losses in monetary value and off times in industrial processes and consumer utilities. It is more efficient for the system to identify the occurring faults and, if possible, to have the processes running without interruption with the occurrence of a fault. This work uses a model previously proposed—the three-pond hydraulic run-of-river system and integrates it with a turbine and regulated power generation. After integration of the hydraulic system with the turbine and power generation, we then design a diagnostic system for commonly occurring faults within the system. Mathematical models of the faults are formulated and residues are calculated. Fault detection and identification is achieved by analyzing the residues and then a fault-tolerant control is proposed. The Fault Diagnostic Module can correctly detect the faults present and offers sufficient fault compensation to make the system run nearly normally in the event of fault occurrence. With the emergence of distributed power generation smart grids and renewable energy, this fault diagnostic is able to reliably offer uninterrupted power to the grid and thus to consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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17 pages, 2380 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Numerical Investigation of the Performance, Hydrodynamics, and Free-Surface Effects in Unsteady Flow of a Horizontal Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine

by Aldo Benavides-Morán, Luis Rodríguez-Jaime and Santiago Laín

Processes 2022, 10(1), 69; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10010069 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2398

Abstract

This paper presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the flow around a horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbine (HAHT) found in the literature. The volume of fluid (VOF) model implemented in a commercial CFD package (ANSYS-Fluent) is used to track the air-water interface. The [...] Read more.

ω

and the four-equation Transition SST turbulence models are employed to compute the unsteady three-dimensional flow field. The sliding mesh technique is used to rotate the subdomain that includes the turbine rotor. The effect of grid resolution, time-step size, and turbulence model on the computed performance coefficients is analyzed in detail, and the results are compared against experimental data at various tip speed ratios (TSRs). Simulation results at the analyzed rotor immersions confirm that the power and thrust coefficients decrease when the rotor is closer to the free surface. The combined effect of rotor and support structure on the free surface evolution and downstream velocities is also studied. The results show that a maximum velocity deficit is found in the near wake region above the rotor centerline. A slow wake recovery is also observed at the shallow rotor immersion due to the free-surface proximity, which in turn reduces the power extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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20 pages, 7890 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Design Guideline for Hydropower Plants Using One or Multiple Archimedes Screws

by Arash YoosefDoost and William David Lubitz

Processes 2021, 9(12), 2128; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9122128 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4867

Abstract

The Archimedes/Archimedean screw generator (ASG) is a fish-friendly hydropower technology that could operate under a wide range of flow heads and flow rates and generate power from almost any flow, even wastewater. The simplicity and low maintenance requirements and costs make ASGs suitable even for remote or developing areas. However, there are no general and easy-to-use guidelines for designing Archimedes screw power plants. Therefore, this study addresses this important concern by offering a simple method for quick rough estimations of the number and geometry of Archimedes screws in considering the installation site properties, river flow characteristics, and technical considerations. Moreover, it updates the newest analytical method of designing ASGs by introducing an easier graphical approach that not only covers standard designs but also simplifies custom designs. Besides, a list of currently installed and operating industrial multi-Archimedes screw hydropower plants are provided to review and explore the common design properties between different manufacturers. On top of that, this study helps to improve one of the biggest burdens of small projects, the unscalable initial investigation costs, by enabling everyone to evaluate the possibilities of a green and renewable Archimedes screw hydropower generation where a flow is available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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17 pages, 3900 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparison of Sliding and Overset Mesh Techniques in the Simulation of a Vertical Axis Turbine for Hydrokinetic Applications

by Omar D. Lopez Mejia, Oscar E. Mejia, Karol M. Escorcia, Fabian Suarez and Santiago Laín

Processes 2021, 9(11), 1933; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9111933 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

The application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to energy-related problems has increased in the last decades in both renewable and conventional energy conversion processes. In recent years, the application of CFD in the study of hydraulic, marine, tidal, and hydrokinetic turbines has focused on the understanding of the details of the complex turbulent flow and also in improving the prediction of the performance of these devices. There are several complexities involved in the simulation of Vertical Axis Turbine (VAT) for hydrokinetic applications. One of them is the necessity of a dynamic mesh model. Typically, the model used in the simulation of these devices is the sliding mesh technique, but in recent years the fast development of the overset (also known as chimera) mesh technique has caught the attention of the academic community. In the present paper, a comparison between these two techniques is done in order to establish their advantages and disadvantages in the two-dimensional simulation of vertical axis turbines. The comparison was done not only for the prediction of performance parameters of the turbine but also for the capabilities of the models to capture complex flow phenomena in these devices and computational costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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12 pages, 5688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Improvement of Hydrofoil with Biological Characteristics: Tail Fin of a Whale

by Pan Xiong, Jianghong Deng and Xinyuan Chen

Processes 2021, 9(9), 1656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9091656 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3517

Abstract

In order to improve the hydrodynamic performance of hydrofoils, this paper shows excellent hydrodynamic performance according to the flapping motion of fish through the tail fin. The Naca66 hydrofoil is used as the original hydrofoil and the trailing edge flap configuration is added. Ansys-fluent is used to analyze the relationship between the structural parameters (length and angle) of the flap and the hydrodynamic performance of the hydrofoil, the reliability of CFD numerical simulation is verified by PIV experiment. It is found that the hydrofoil, with clockwise rotating short flap, can significantly improve the hydrodynamic performance of a hydrofoil at a small angle of attack; at a high angle of attack, the hydrofoil with counterclockwise flap can increase the critical stall angle and slightly improve the hydrodynamic performance of the hydrofoil. The hydrodynamic performance of hydrofoil with rotatable short flaps reported in this paper can provide valuable information for the design and optimization of this kind of hydrofoil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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14 pages, 5852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Tip Clearance Size on Tubular Turbine Leakage Characteristics

by Xinrui Li, Zhenggui Li, Baoshan Zhu and Weijun Wang

Processes 2021, 9(9), 1481; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9091481 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

To study the effect of tip clearance on unsteady flow in a tubular turbine, a full-channel numerical calculation was carried out based on the SST k–ω turbulence model using a power-plant prototype as the research object. Tip leakage flow characteristics of three clearance δ schemes were compared. The results show that the clearance value is directly proportional to the axial velocity, momentum, and flow sum of the leakage flow but inversely proportional to turbulent kinetic energy. At approximately 35–50% of the flow direction, velocity and turbulent kinetic energy of the leakage flow show the trough and peak variation law, respectively. The leakage vortex includes a primary tip leakage vortex (PTLV) and a secondary tip leakage vortex (STLV). Increasing clearance increases the vortex strength of both parts, as the STLV vortex core overlaps Core A of PTLV, and Core B of PTLV becomes the main part of the tip leakage vortex. A “right angle effect” causes flow separation on the pressure side of the tip, and a local low-pressure area subsequently generates a separation vortex. Increasing the gap strengthens the separation vortex, intensifying the flow instability. Tip clearance should therefore be maximally reduced in tubular turbines, barring other considerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Modelling and Simulation of Water Turbines)

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