A FAST LAGRANGIAN SIMULATION METHOD FOR FLOW ANALYSIS AND RUNNER DESIGN IN PELTON TURBINES

In the present work,an alternative numerical methodology is developed for a fast and effective simulation and analysis of the complex flow and energy conversion in Pelton impulse hydro turbines.The algorithm is based on the Lagrangian approach and the unsteady free-surface flow during the jet-bucket interaction is simulated by tracking the trajectories of representative fluid particles at very low computer cost.Modern regression tools are implemented in a new parameterization technique of the inner bucket surface.Key-feature of the model is the introduction of additional terms into the particle motion equations to account for various hydraulic losses and the flow spreading,which are regulated and evaluated with the aid of experimental data in a Laboratory Pelton turbine.The model is applied to study the jet-runner interaction in various operation conditions and then to perform numerical design optimization of the bucket shape,using a stochastic optimizer based on evolutionary algorithms.The obtained optimum runner attains remarkably higher hydraulic efficiency in the entire load range.Finally,a new small Pelton turbine(150 kW) is designed,manufactured and tested in the Laboratory,and its performance and efficiency verify the model predictions.     

EFFECT OF ENLARGED FREE JET ON ENERGY CONVERSION IN PELTON TURBINE

NOMENCLATURE Q —flow rate H— head Dref —diameter of pitch circle B —inner width of bucket ω —angular speed of runner QDH —unit discharge Sn —needle strokesn—relative needle stroke Dinj —diameter of injector inlet Dt —diameter of nozzle throat D     

Overview of SPH-ALE applications for hydraulic turbines in ANDRITZ Hydro

Over the past 13 years, ANDRITZ Hydro has developed an in-house tool based on the SPH-ALE method for applications in flow simulations in hydraulic turbines. The initial motivation is related to the challenging simulation of free surface flows in Pelton turbines, where highly dynamic water jets interact with rotating buckets, creating thin water jets traveling inside the housing and possibly causing disturbances on the runner. The present paper proposes an overview of industrial applications allowed by the developed tool, including design evaluation of Pelton runners and casings, transient operation of Pelton units and free surface flows in hydraulic structures.     

玛依纳水电站现场水轮机效率试验

水轮机效率是水轮机性能的重要指标,流量测量是原型水轮机效率试验中最重要、测试难度最大、测点较多的环节。介绍了流量测量的常用试验方法、测量原理、综合误差,并以哈萨克斯坦玛依纳水电站（采用冲击式水轮机）为例,重点介绍了相对法和超声波法的试验原理、现场应用情况、试验结论及注意事项。研究结果表明：对于在不具备热力学法和内置式超声波流量计测量流量的玛依纳水电站,应当采用相对法和外夹式超声波流量计来测量流量。根据该建议,成功实现了大管径、大壁厚管道流量的准确测量,取得的原型水轮机效率试验结果,得到了业主方的认可。     

Efficiency of production of additional condensation power at dual-purpose turbine plants

Results of detailed computations (performed with the use of mathematical models of dual-purpose turbine plants) of the effect of the main operating factors on the energy and economic efficiency of the production of additional condensation power in the periods of power generation (at partially loaded heating extractions and flow of live steam below the rated value) are presented as applied to actual conditions of operation of turbines of different types. The results obtained show that the additional power can be quite competitive in the power market (at least in peak demand periods of the day) and that it is expedient to use dual-purpose turbines for managing electric demand. __________ Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 10, October 2006, pp. 26–32.     

无黏性土中筒型基础静压下沉模型试验研究

筒型基础是海洋结构物特别是海上风力机的重要基础型式之一,其下沉阻力的研究是该种基础型式成功应用的关键。以往下沉阻力计算多以静力触探的锥尖阻力为基础,考虑渗流对土体有效应力的影响,通过试验确定筒侧壁与端部阻力系数得到最终的下沉阻力,但对于下沉过程中筒-土间的挤压特性及摩擦系数研究较少。本文开展了3种不同厚径比的筒型基础静压下沉模型试验,测量了下沉过程中筒内外侧壁及端部土压力与总的下沉阻力;基于孔穴扩张理论及土塞效应建立了筒内外土压力的计算方法;以地基承载力公式为基础推导了筒端土体阻力的计算方法。研究表明筒型基础下沉过程中筒土间摩擦系数约为0.4,DNV规范推荐的k_f=0.001~0.003仅适用于计算筒外壁摩阻力,实测的筒内壁摩阻力远大于计算值,端阻力系数k_p与土体的有效内摩擦角相关,k_p=1.8时计算值与实测值吻合较好。     

Operation of T-250/300-240 turbines without working blades in the last stages of the low-pressure cylinder

The current operating regimes for turbines of this type and their possible long-term uses affect the choice of a rational option for the modernization of the low-pressure cylinder (using a three stage rotor with reduced lengths of the working blades in the last stage or removal of working blades in the last stages), which should be made taking into account the specific conditions at each given heating and electric power plant. Studies of T-250/300-240 turbines at the heating and electric power plant TéTs-23 of JSC “Mosénergo” operating without working blades in the last stages of the low-pressure cylinder are described. These demonstrate increased efficiency during both summer and winter operation under the conditions at this plant. The condition of the trailing edges of the working blades in stages 30 and 39 is found to be excellent, but erosion of the steam inlet deflector cone in the region of the feedthrough for the low-pressure cylinder along the direction of the twist in the flow is observed. It is proposed that an alignment module be installed at the outlet of the low-pressure cylinder for protection from overload, the compressor effect, and root eddies. For further increases in efficiency it is proposed to examine the feasibility of raising the maximum allowable temperature of the exhaust at the low-pressure cylinder of the modernized turbine. __________ Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 11, November 2007, pp. 84–90.     

用于潮流能双向发电的导流装置性能研究

为解决受叶片翼型的影响而导致发电设备在一个潮流周期内平均效率下降的问题,提高发电设备总的输出功率,对一种可将潮流双向流动转换为单向流动的双向导流装置进行了研究分析。首先,建立了发电装置输出功率的数学模型,采用数值分析的方法研究了圆角半径对双向导流装置内部流场、阻力系数k、流速比以及水轮机输出功率的影响,随后进行水下拖拽试验,测试双向导流装置的实际效果。研究结果表明:当R<1.4 l时,增大过渡圆角半径有利于降低流动阻力损耗,改善流速分布不均的情况,提高双向导流装置的性能。在相同负载条件下,潮流流速为1 m/s时,加装双向导流装置后,负载上的平均电功率比裸叶片提高了79%。双向导流装置能够避免潮流反向带来的负面影响,显著提高发电设备在一个潮流周期内的平均输出功率。     

高桥水电站水轮机参数的初步选择

高桥水电站所采用的水斗式水轮机将是我们自行研制的最大容量的水斗式水轮机之一。本文通过国内外已建同类水电站统计资料对比，采用变化转速的方法选择适合于该电站运行参数的水轮机，其各项指标达到和超过了８０年代国际先进水平。     

Parametric optimisation of two Pelton turbine runner designs using CFD

This paper aims to develop a generic optimisation method for Pelton turbine runners using computational fluid dynamics(CFD). Two different initial runners are optimised to achieve more generic results. A simple bucket geometry based on existing bibliography is parameterised and initially optimised using fast Lagrangian solver(FLS). It is then further optimised with a more accurate method using ANSYS Fluent. The second geometry is a current commercial geometry with good initial performance and is optimised using ANSYS CFX. The analytical results provided by CFX and Fluent simulations are used to analyse the characteristics of the flow for different runner geometries.     

冶勒水电站120MW水斗式水轮发电机组

冶勒水电站装有2台单机容量为120MW的水计式水轮发电机组,电站额定水头580m,最大水头644.8m。水斗式水轮机转轮直径D1为2.6 m,有21个水斗,额定流量23.62 m3/s,有6个喷嘴,单个喷嘴的比转速为18.8(m·kW制),水轮机额定效率为91.7％。发电机为立轴、悬式,额定电压13.8kV,额定电流5 578A,功率因数0.9(滞后),自并励可控硅励磁,额定转速375 r／min。机组由法国ALSSTOM公司制造,是目前国内单机容量最大的水斗式机组,机组正在安装中,首台机组将于2004年底投产发电。     

Pelton turbine: Identifying the optimum number of buckets using CFD

A numerical case study on identifying the optimum number of buckets for a Pelton turbine is presented. Three parameters: number of buckets, bucket radial position and bucket angular position are grouped since they are found to be interrelated. By identifying the best combination of the radial and angular position for each number of buckets it is shown that reduction in the number of buckets beyond the limit suggested by the available literature can improve the efficiency and be beneficial with regard to the manufacturing complexity and cost perspective. The effect of this reduction in the number of buckets was confirmed experimentally.     

双层翻斗式雨量计翻斗特性的试验和模拟分析

为探究双层翻斗式雨量计(DTBR)减小计量误差的作用机理以及进一步提高DTBR的计量精度,利用试验和数值模拟相结合的方法,通过高速摄像掌握翻斗翻转特性,结合动网格和流体体积法(VOF)模型对DTBR上层翻斗的翻转过程进行流体动力学模拟,并进一步优化了DTBR的结构设计。结果表明:DTBR依靠上层翻斗,通过中间漏斗将自然降水强度下的出流量稳定在1.01.g/s左右注入下层计量翻斗,可明显降低降水强度对雨量计计量误差的影响,且在高降水强度下的效果更加明显；中间漏斗在不同降水强度下的流量均稳定在1.g/s(等效1.91 mm/min降水强度)左右,在DTBR标定中,可考虑只对下层的计量翻斗进行1.91 mm/min降水强度的标定,即可满足DTBR的计量要求；中间漏斗存在震荡出流过程,出流最大可达2.g/s左右；降低上层翻斗的中轴高度可在一定程度上稳定中间漏斗的出流过程。     

ANALYSIS AND ESTIMATION OF HYDRAULIC STABILITY OF FRANCIS HYDRO TURBINE

With the development of large-capacity hydro turbines, the hydraulic instability of hydro turbines has become one of the most important problems that affect the stable operation of the hydro-electric units. The hydraulic vibration and unstable operation of Francis hydro turbines are primarily caused by the unsteady pressure pulsations inside draft tubes. The forced rotating vortex core at the runner exit and the channel vortices inside Francis turbine runners are origins of the unsteady pressure pulsations when operating at partial load. This paper briefly analyzes the hydraulic instability of operation caused by the vortex core and channel vortices at partial load, then, presents a way to estimate the hydraulic stability by calculation of the flow behavior at the runner exit. The validity of estimation is examined by comparison with experimental data. This will be helpful to evaluate the alternative design and predict the hydraulic stability for both the prototype and model hydro turbines.     

Optimierung von Wasserkraft und Ökologie bei Erneuerung oder Revitalisierung bestehender Anlagen – „win-win“-Ansatz

In Austria, using hydropower has a centuries-long tradition. Whereas we first placed mills along our rivers to put water’s power to use, today we have over 5,200 water power stations of various types, from the smallest facilities to pumped-storage hydroelectric plants in the Alps. Today, water power accounts for roughly 60 % of our domestic power production, though the various types of power stations used have diverse ecological effects. This article presents a “win-win” approach to improving both hydropower production and ecological outcomes on the basis of the Kamp River in Lower Austria. The Kamp is not only home to a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant and the major plants Ottenstein, Dobra-Krumberg and Thurnberg-Wegscheid, but also to 14 smaller plants with turbines that are between 25 and 75 years old, many of them with energy conversion efficiency ratios of well under 0.7. Using the case study of a small water power plant, the chances of achieving a win-win situation are presented in detail. In this context, replacing the turbines is a major aspect of improving these plants. Extensive analyses have demonstrated that balanced planning approaches can yield both higher efficiency and better conditions for aquatic ecology, thanks to increased residual flows. Further, energy calculations and numerical habitat simulations have confirmed that a win-win situation is feasible for the small power plant studied, especially if Kaplan turbines are used. For example, they show that, despite the increased residual flow of up to 800 l/s, a considerable performance increase over the status quo is possible (maximum performance increase of 17 % without considering residual flow). If the residual flow was only 400 l/s, which tests indicate would mean an improvement in the habitat conditions for all ages of the dominant fish species (the brown trout) of > 50 %, a performance increase of 8 % would be the result. Thanks to the generally applicable methodology used, the win-win approach presented here can broadly be used in the optimization, efficiency improvement and revitalization of current hydropower plants, producing both more electricity and higher residual flow levels to improve local ecological conditions. In order to make this win-win situation a reality, innovative and integrative financial models for e.g. new turbines related to the fields of green energy production and environmental protection will be essential.     

Experimental investigations of transient pressure variations in a high head model Francis turbine during start-up and shutdown

Penetration of the power generated using wind and solar energy to electrical grid network causing several incidents of the grid tripping, power outage, and frequency drooping. This has increased restart （star-stop） cycles of the hydroelectric turbines significantly since grid connected hydroelectric turbines are widely used to manage critical conditions of the grid. Each cycle induces significant stresses due to unsteady pressure loading on the runner blades. The presented work investigates the pressure loading to a high head （ He = 377 m, De = 1.78 m） Francis turbine during start-stop. The measurements were carried out on a scaled model turbine （HM = 12.5 m, DM = 0.349 m）. Total four operating points were considered. At each operating point, three schemes of guide vanes opening and three schemes of guide vanes closing were investigated. The results show that total head variation is up to 9% during start-stop of the turbine. On the runner blade, the maximum pressure amplitudes are about 14 kPa and 16 kPa from the instantaneous mean value of 121 kPa during rapid start-up and shutdown, respectively, which are about 1.5 times larger than that of the slow start-up and shutdown. Moreover, the maximum pressure fluctuations are given at the blade trailing edge.     

挑流反弧段水流掺气浓度的试验研究

通过泄槽水力学模型试验,研究了溢洪道、泄洪洞等泄水建筑物挑流反弧段掺气浓度的沿程变化规律;分析反弧段掺气浓度分布与挑坎高度、挑流段反弧半径以及来流流量之间的关系,以期为优化掺气坎体型及掺气坎下游设施提供依据。试验结果表明,挑流反弧段水流表、中、底不同部位掺气浓度的沿程衰减率是不相同的;在试验范围内,挑流反弧段水流掺气浓度随掺气坎高和反弧半径的增大而增大,随流量的增加而减小。     

HL240型水轮机叶片出水边切削对增容的影响

本文在奇点分布法计算叶片周围流场的前提下,利用CFD软件对混流式叶片切割后的水力性能进行了计算,得出该简便方法对HL240-WJ50型水轮机出力的最优量和该措施对流场的影响：当切削叶片切割量为9.4mm时该转轮出力增加5.7%,同时气蚀性能无明显恶化。将改进后的水轮机叶片应用到小电站的增容改造中,取切割量为叶片上冠边和下环边平均值的5%,切削后测试转轮功率由232kW提高到了253kW,出力达到电站要求。可见切削叶片出水边能以较小的经济代价得到较好的改造目标,适合小型水电站转轮改型的实施。