Author(s): Jiri Soucek; Petr Nowak
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: CFD analysis is increasingly used to assess spillway capacity as an alternative to physical modelling, particularly under varied operational and extreme flood conditions. A comprehensive simulation of the outflow hydraulic system of the Czech largest pumped-storage power plant lower reservoir was performed, including the emergency spillway, bottom outlets, chute, stilling chamber, and tailrace tunnel. Simulations in ANSYS CFX employed a VOF free-surface approach with the SST turbulence model. This contribution presents a key output — a three-dimensional flow-rating surface as a function of reservoir water level and radial gate position. Results revealed unexpected discharge behaviour caused by interaction between the free water surface and the radial gate and provided reaction force data essential for radial-gate bearing and actuator design.
Year: 2026