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Comparative analysis of Pelton turbine internal flow fields using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and the volume of fluid method with experimental validation

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  • Zhu, Zuchao
  • Ke, Qihao
  • Su, Xianghui

Abstract

Pelton turbines are widely used in hydropower generation, and the analysis of their internal flow fields is crucial for optimizing design and improving efficiency. However, traditional Volume of Fluid (VOF) methods exhibit limited accuracy in capturing the intricate flow details within Pelton turbines. This study introduces the innovative application of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method to Pelton turbines and systematically compares the differences between SPH and VOF in terms of computational accuracy and the ability to capture flow details, revealing the complex flow characteristics of the turbine's internal flow field. Based on analyses of energy conversion efficiency in different flow regions using the SPH method, targeted optimization strategies are proposed. Validation against experimental efficiency measurements demonstrates that the SPH method achieves high accuracy in simulating energy conversion efficiency. The method effectively captures complex flow phenomena such as jet-bucket collisions, jet breakup, diffusion, and compression. The analysis highlights that energy conversion efficiency is lower at the root and top regions of the Pelton turbine jets, while the mid-jet region exhibits higher efficiency. The SPH method offers significant advantages in the analysis of Pelton turbine flow mechanisms, providing new directions and insights for turbine design and optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Zuchao & Ke, Qihao & Su, Xianghui, 2025. "Comparative analysis of Pelton turbine internal flow fields using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method and the volume of fluid method with experimental validation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125014922
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123828
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    References listed on IDEAS

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