Numerical simulation of the influence of distributor pitch diameter on performance and pressure fluctuations in a pump-turbine

Abstract

In order to analyse the influence of distributor pitch diameter on performance and pressure fluctuations in a pump turbine, a numerical model based on a pumped storage power station was built to develop the numerical simulation. Steady and unsteady flows were simulated using the SST k-ω turbulence model and SIMPLEC Pressure-Velocity coupling scheme. The performance, inner flow and pressure fluctuations between runner blades and guide vanes of both turbine and pump mode was contrasted in different distributor pitch diameters. The result shows there was a maximum total efficiency in a given distributor pitch diameter instead of the design diameter. Amplitudes and frequencies of pressure fluctuations on this diameter and design diameter were analysed, minor differences were observed. This position can be considered to help improving the flow of the pump turbine. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.