Optimization of Kaplan hydro-turbine at very low head with rimdriven generator

Ahmad I. Abbas, Tomoki Sakamoto, Mandana S. Saravani, Ryoichi S. Amano, Joseph Millevolte, Bruno Lequesne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of the paper is to study the design and optimization of Kaplan hydro turbines for very low head (less than 3 meters), with a particular emphasis on the use of rimdrive electrical generators. The work is based on Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a variety of design parameters for maximum output power and efficiency. Two designs are presented in the paper. One is a 90-cm (35-inch) diameter vertical-oriented Kaplan hydro turbine systems as an intended product capable of generating over 50 kW. The other is a smaller, 7.6-cm (3-inch) diameter horizontal-oriented system for prototyping and laboratory verification. Both are analyzed through CFD based on Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of transient turbulence. Certain design for the runner and the stator as well as guide vanes upstream of the turbine were studied to get the most from the available head. The intent is to use 3D-printing manufacturing techniques, which may offer original design opportunities as well as the possibility of turbine and water conduit design customization as a function of the head and flow available from a specific site.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationI and C, Digital Controls, and Influence of Human Factors; Plant Construction Issues and Supply Chain Management; Plant Operations, Maintenance, Aging Management, Reliability and Performance; Renewable Energy Systems
Subtitle of host publicationSolar, Wind, Hydro and Geothermal; Risk Management, Safety and Cyber Security; Steam Turbine-Generators, Electric Generators, Transformers, Switchgear, and Electric BOP and Auxiliaries; Student Competition; Thermal Hydraulics and Computational Fluid Dynamics
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791857618
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
EventASME 2017 Power Conference Joint with ICOPE 2017, POWER 2017-ICOPE 2017, collocated with the ASME 2017 11th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, the ASME 2017 15th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, and the ASME 2017 Nuclear Forum - Charlotte, United States
Duration: Jun 26 2017Jun 30 2017

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Power Division (Publication) POWER
Volume2

Conference

ConferenceASME 2017 Power Conference Joint with ICOPE 2017, POWER 2017-ICOPE 2017, collocated with the ASME 2017 11th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, the ASME 2017 15th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, and the ASME 2017 Nuclear Forum
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlotte
Period06/26/1706/30/17

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2017 ASME.

Keywords

  • Guide-vanes
  • Hydro-turbine
  • Kaplan
  • LES
  • Rim-Generator
  • Rim-drive

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