Priya Krishnan
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Hydraulic turbines are pivotal in renewable energy generation, converting hydraulic energy into mechanical power efficiently. Optimization of fluid flow inside turbines plays a crucial role in enhancing performance, reducing losses, and improving durability. This paper explores various fluid flow optimization techniques employed in hydraulic turbines till 2020, emphasizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods, experimental validations, and design improvements. Statistical analysis based on performance data from multiple case studies is presented to quantify efficiency gains. The study highlights methodologies such as blade profile modification, draft tube design, and flow control devices to optimize hydraulic performance. Results indicate significant potential improvements with optimized fluid dynamics, contributing to sustainable energy generation. Future research directions focus on advanced turbulence modeling and integration with smart monitoring systems.
Keywords Hydraulic turbines, fluid flow optimization, computational fluid dynamics, turbine efficiency, draft tube design, blade profile
REFERENCES
Muntean, S., Susan-Resiga, R. F., & Ciocan, T. (2010). 3D numerical analysis and experimental investigation of the swirling flow in hydraulic turbines. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 12, 012076. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/12/1/012076
Liu, J., Li, W., & Zhang, Y. (2011). Multi-objective optimization design of hydraulic turbine runners using genetic algorithm and response surface methodology. Renewable Energy, 36(10), 2813–2821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.009
Trivedi, C., Cervantes, M. J., & Dahlhaug, O. G. (2013). Experimental and numerical studies of a high head model Francis turbine. Renewable Energy, 50, 204–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2012.06.045
Yuan, S., Yuan, J., & Wu, Y. (2010). Numerical simulation and analysis of fluid-structure interaction in a Francis turbine runner. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 26(6), 947–959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2010.02.008
Gessner, F. B., & Emery, A. F. (2012). Fluid flow in hydraulic turbines: Experimental and numerical analysis. International Journal of Fluid Machinery and Systems, 5(3), 99–110.
Jain, A., & Patel, R. N. (2015). Optimization of guide vane angle in Francis turbine for improving performance. Hydraulic Research Journal, 51(1), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/09715010.2015.1028482
Singh, P., & Nestmann, F. (2010). Optimization of blade design of low head axial flow turbines. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 48(5), 658–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2010.491649
Dong, R., Li, X., & Song, Y. (2014). Numerical study of pressure fluctuation and optimization of flow passage in Kaplan turbine. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics, 8(3), 390–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/19942060.2014.11015492
Shah, S., Jain, A., & Patel, R. (2012). Performance improvement of hydraulic turbines using computational fluid dynamics. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 1(4), 102–108.
Chakraborty, A., & Sen, D. (2017). A review on optimization of fluid flow in hydraulic machines. Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, 10(4), 1147–1156. https://doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.jafm.73.243.26792
