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Genetic Optimisation of a Free-Stream Water Wheel Using 2D Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations Points towards Design with Fully Immersed Blades

Author

Listed:
  • Abhishekkumar Shingala

    (Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics and Technical Flows, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, University Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Olivier Cleynen

    (Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics and Technical Flows, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, University Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Aman Jain

    (Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics and Technical Flows, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, University Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Stefan Hoerner

    (Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics and Technical Flows, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, University Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Dominique Thévenin

    (Laboratory of Fluid Dynamics and Technical Flows, Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics, University Otto von Guericke of Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany)

Abstract

A large-scale two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics study is conducted in order to maximise the power output and smoothness of power delivery of a free-stream water wheel, a low-impact hydropower device. Based on models and methods developed in previous research, the study uses a genetic algorithm to optimise the geometry of a wheel with a given radius and depth, maximising two objective functions simultaneously. After convergence and suitable post-processing, a single optimal design is identified, featuring eight shortened blades that become fully immersed at the nadir point. The design results in a 71% reduction in blade material and a 113% increase in the work ratio while improving the hydraulic power by 8% compared to the previous best design. These characteristics are applied retroactively to a broad family of designs, resulting in significant improvements in performance. Analysis of the resulting designs indicates that when either the hydraulic power coefficient, rotor power coefficient, or work ratio is considered, free-stream water wheels with fully immersed blades, whose power mechanisms are shown to rely on lift, as well as drag, outperform all other designs studied so far.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhishekkumar Shingala & Olivier Cleynen & Aman Jain & Stefan Hoerner & Dominique Thévenin, 2022. "Genetic Optimisation of a Free-Stream Water Wheel Using 2D Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations Points towards Design with Fully Immersed Blades," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:10:p:3723-:d:818958
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kerikous, Emeel & Thévenin, Dominique, 2019. "Optimal shape and position of a thick deflector plate in front of a hydraulic Savonius turbine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    2. Stefan Hoerner & Iring Kösters & Laure Vignal & Olivier Cleynen & Shokoofeh Abbaszadeh & Thierry Maître & Dominique Thévenin, 2021. "Cross-Flow Tidal Turbines with Highly Flexible Blades—Experimental Flow Field Investigations at Strong Fluid–Structure Interactions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    3. Dennis Powalla & Stefan Hoerner & Olivier Cleynen & Nadine Müller & Jürgen Stamm & Dominique Thévenin, 2021. "A Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for a Water Vortex Power Plant as Platform for Etho- and Ecohydraulic Research," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-14, January.
    4. Nishi, Yasuyuki & Yahagi, Yuichiro & Okazaki, Takashi & Inagaki, Terumi, 2020. "Effect of flow rate on performance and flow field of an undershot cross-flow water turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 409-423.
    5. Cleynen, Olivier & Engel, Sebastian & Hoerner, Stefan & Thévenin, Dominique, 2021. "Optimal design for the free-stream water wheel: A two-dimensional study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    6. Cleynen, Olivier & Kerikous, Emeel & Hoerner, Stefan & Thévenin, Dominique, 2018. "Characterization of the performance of a free-stream water wheel using computational fluid dynamics," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PB), pages 1392-1400.
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    Cited by:

    1. Viktor Sebestyén & Mátyás Horváth & Viola Somogyi & Endre Domokos & Róbert Koch, 2022. "Network-Analysis-Supported Design Aspects and Performance Optimization of Floating Water Wheels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-12, September.

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