Author(s): M Mettille; J Decaix; A Bullani; B Valluy; C Munch-Alligne

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Pelton turbines; Jet interference; Erosion; Non-viscous flow; Efficiency

Abstract: The computation of the flow in Pelton turbines remains a challenge mainly due to the two-phase flow in the bucket and in the casing. The present study focuses on simulations of two Pelton turbines, applying the finite volume method with the ANSYS® CFX® software and is divided into two parts: first, the degradation turbine efficiency due to jet interference (called “falaise” effect), and second, the performance losses due to erosion of the bucket splitter. Based on the simulations of six buckets using a non-viscous approach, the total torque of the runner and the efficiency are analysed. The sharp decrease due to the “falaise” effect is effectively captured within the measured values and the values predicted by the analytical formulas. The simulated efficiency decrease due to the erosion is in the same order of magnitude than the analytical formulas.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1483/1/012021

Year: 2023