Effect of Vortex in Kaplan Turbine-Using CFD A Case Study: Rosseries Power Plant

Abstract

The objective of this research is focused on the vortex flow in Kaplan turbine runner - a tip vortex. CFD analysis was performed to predict the water flow inside the turbine for more diagnosing and investigation of the hydro power problem. On the basis of this analysis it is possible to estimate the existing and the intensity of vortex, danger of possible blade surface and runner chamber cavitations’ pitting and power losses. In the research, the ways how to predict vortex flow and the effect of the tip vortex are described. In order to prevent the blade surface against pitting and energy losses , the knowledge of the shape and intensity of the tip vortex helps to solve the main problem in the hydro turbine as well it help to design more sophistically as the change of geometry of the runner blade or other solution aspects. The affect of the mesh quality was presented. After all, the results of the CFD analysis simulation and the actual status of some Kaplan runner in Rosseries hydro power are compared. There is significant decrease in efficiency (3.4%) due to vortex.