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Study on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a six-nozzle ultra-large capacity Pelton turbine during the switching of the operating nozzles

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Xiao-Dong
  • Wang, Xuan
  • Hu, Shao-Dang
  • Wang, Wen-Quan
  • Yan, Yan

Abstract

The evolving demands of modern power systems impose stricter requirements on the load-following capabilities of hydropower units. Pelton turbines, in response to load adjustments, typically switch the operating nozzles to maintain high hydraulic efficiency. However, the hydrodynamic characteristics during this transitional process remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study employs a coupled one-dimensional method of characteristics (MOC) and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to investigate the transient process during switching of the operating nozzles of Pelton turbine. Specifically, this study investigates the influence of nozzle opening control schemes on flow field, pressure distribution, and external characteristics. The results reveal that, at small nozzle openings, pressure fluctuations in the water supply system become more intense, with a maximum peak-to-peak Cp of 0.065. These fluctuations further induce fluctuations in the torque and radial force of runner, their maximum values are 3.8 and 2.7 times those under steady operating conditions, respectively. Moreover, the dominant frequency of pressure fluctuations on the bucket is 6fn under six-nozzle and four-nozzle operating, whereas with four nozzles, the characteristic frequencies is also including 2fn, and 4fn. Notably, when nozzles are actuated simultaneously in on/off operations, the resulting pressure fluctuations are significantly mitigated, and both the flow rate and torque exhibit a more linear response, which is a recommended nozzle switching mode.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Xiao-Dong & Wang, Xuan & Hu, Shao-Dang & Wang, Wen-Quan & Yan, Yan, 2026. "Study on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a six-nozzle ultra-large capacity Pelton turbine during the switching of the operating nozzles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 347(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:347:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226004317
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140328
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franz Josef Johann Hahn & Anton Maly & Bernhard Semlitsch & Christian Bauer, 2023. "Numerical Investigation of Pelton Turbine Distributor Systems with Axial Inflow," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Ge, Xinfeng & Sun, Jie & Zhou, Ye & Cai, Jianguo & Zhang, Hui & Zhang, Lei & Ding, Mingquan & Deng, Chaozhong & Binama, Maxime & Zheng, Yuan, 2021. "Experimental and Numerical studies on Opening and Velocity Influence on Sediment Erosion of Pelton Turbine Buckets," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 1040-1056.
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