Author(s): J Zhang; Y X Xiao; J Q Wang; X J Zhou; M Xia; C J Zeng; S H Wang; Z W Wang

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Keywords: Pelton turbine; Nozzle design; 3D numerical simulation; Hydraulic efficiency

Abstract: Currently, untapped water resources in China are mostly located in the southwestern region notable for high ranges of Qingha-Tibet Plateau, Hengduan Mountains and Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau. These water resources have the remarkable property of being high in water head within a short distance. The Pelton turbine counts as the most adequate type of water turbine to harness these water resources. An internal-controlled Pelton nozzle design is elucidated in this paper in line with the formula and an existing model in the case of a 1100 m water head. The impact exerted by nozzle and spear angle on the nozzle hydraulic efficiency under a set of needle strokes was ascertained from the numerical perspective. Elucidated hydraulic performance of different nozzle design was anatomized. An energy criterion was proposed through acquiring the jet efficiency to select the appropriate hydraulic design of Pelton nozzle. The numerical results were indicative of the design with 100°/70° combination of nozzle and spear angle that was superior in overall hydraulic efficiency. For this reason, this design can be referenced in engineering applications.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/163/1/012066

Year: 2017