Numerical Optimization of Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine using Computational Flow Analysis

Abstract

Gravitational Water Vortex Power (GWVP) plants are considered one of the most favourable micro-hydro extraction methods suitable for rural communities in mountain areas. Many researchers have focused on enhancing the performance of GWVP plants since it is less efficient than other commercial hydro turbines. This study mainly focuses on optimization of vortex turbine situated in conical vortex basin using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis. The basic turbine blade design was modified with inclination, height, vertical twist, and horizontal curvature. CFD results were analysed at each step concerning air-water interface, pressure, and velocity while identifying the relationship of flow behaviour with performance. A similar blade inclination with the conical basin enhanced performance, and the increasing of blade height also showed good performance. Vertical twist and horizontal curvature were investigated separately, and the horizontal curvature blade showed slightly better performance than the vertical twisted blade recording the highest efficiency as 40.4%.