Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine
This study presents a numerical investigation of the internal flow characteristics within the draft tube of a Kaplan turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The distribution and evolution of vortical structures, particularly the formation and development of vortex ropes under various opera...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Actuators |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/14/6/298 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850157764641292288 |
|---|---|
| author | Qinwen Yan Zhiqiang Xiong Yuan Zheng Chen Feng Zhen Li Lin Hu Lianchen Xu |
| author_facet | Qinwen Yan Zhiqiang Xiong Yuan Zheng Chen Feng Zhen Li Lin Hu Lianchen Xu |
| author_sort | Qinwen Yan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study presents a numerical investigation of the internal flow characteristics within the draft tube of a Kaplan turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The distribution and evolution of vortical structures, particularly the formation and development of vortex ropes under various operating conditions, are systematically analyzed. The study aims to explore the effects of blade angle and guide vane opening on the internal flow characteristics of the unit, thereby providing guidance for flow control strategies. The influence of guide vane opening and turbine head on vortex dynamics and flow stability is examined, with a focus on the pressure pulsations induced by vortex ropes through frequency-domain analysis. The results indicate that increased guide vane openings and higher heads lead to the expansion and downstream extension of the vortex rope into the elbow section, causing significant low-frequency pressure pulsations and enhancing flow instability. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of unsteady flow behavior in Kaplan turbine draft tubes and provide a theoretical foundation for improving hydraulic stability and optimizing operational performance. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-dee5282cd8b74e119eb34e09e283d480 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-0825 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Actuators |
| spelling | doaj-art-dee5282cd8b74e119eb34e09e283d4802025-08-20T02:24:04ZengMDPI AGActuators2076-08252025-06-0114629810.3390/act14060298Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan TurbineQinwen Yan0Zhiqiang Xiong1Yuan Zheng2Chen Feng3Zhen Li4Lin Hu5Lianchen Xu6Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UKSchool of Electrical and Power Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, ChinaSchool of Electrical and Power Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, ChinaSchool of Electrical and Power Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, ChinaKey Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, ChinaHuaneng Lancang River Hydropower Inc., Kunming 650214, ChinaCollege of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaThis study presents a numerical investigation of the internal flow characteristics within the draft tube of a Kaplan turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The distribution and evolution of vortical structures, particularly the formation and development of vortex ropes under various operating conditions, are systematically analyzed. The study aims to explore the effects of blade angle and guide vane opening on the internal flow characteristics of the unit, thereby providing guidance for flow control strategies. The influence of guide vane opening and turbine head on vortex dynamics and flow stability is examined, with a focus on the pressure pulsations induced by vortex ropes through frequency-domain analysis. The results indicate that increased guide vane openings and higher heads lead to the expansion and downstream extension of the vortex rope into the elbow section, causing significant low-frequency pressure pulsations and enhancing flow instability. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of unsteady flow behavior in Kaplan turbine draft tubes and provide a theoretical foundation for improving hydraulic stability and optimizing operational performance.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/14/6/298Kaplan turbinedraft tubevortex ropepressure pulsation |
| spellingShingle | Qinwen Yan Zhiqiang Xiong Yuan Zheng Chen Feng Zhen Li Lin Hu Lianchen Xu Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine Actuators Kaplan turbine draft tube vortex rope pressure pulsation |
| title | Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine |
| title_full | Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine |
| title_fullStr | Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine |
| title_full_unstemmed | Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine |
| title_short | Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Draft Tube Flow Characteristics in a Kaplan Turbine |
| title_sort | computational fluid dynamics analysis of draft tube flow characteristics in a kaplan turbine |
| topic | Kaplan turbine draft tube vortex rope pressure pulsation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/14/6/298 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT qinwenyan computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT zhiqiangxiong computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT yuanzheng computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT chenfeng computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT zhenli computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT linhu computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine AT lianchenxu computationalfluiddynamicsanalysisofdrafttubeflowcharacteristicsinakaplanturbine |