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A Study and Optimization of the Unsteady Flow Characteristics in the Last Stage Impeller of a Small-Scale Multi-Stage Hydraulic Turbine

Author

Listed:
  • Jun Yang

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Tao Peng

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Gang Xu

    (Shanghai Environmental Protection (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Wenli Hu

    (Ningbo Ningzi Green Development Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China)

  • Huazhou Zhong

    (Heifei Turbo Tides Turbomachinery Technology Co., Ltd., Hefei 230001, China)

  • Xiaohua Liu

    (School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
    Key Laboratory (Fluid Machinery and Engineering Research Base) of Sichuan Province, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China)

Abstract

The demand for small-size multi-stage hydraulic turbines is experiencing rapid growth due to the ongoing efforts towards energy conservation and emission reduction. On account of their compact structural design, these turbines feature a more intricate internal flow configuration, rendering them prone to the creation of low-pressure zones, resulting in vapor–liquid two-phase flow, accompanied by the development of intense vibrations and noise, thereby adversely affecting the safety and stability of turbine operations. Concurrently, an innovative method for analyzing flow fields has been formulated combined with two-dimensional frequency domain visualization technology and proper orthogonal decomposition, serving to establish a diagnostic and optimization framework for the unsteady flow structures within rotating machinery by considering the features related to frequency distribution, spatial distribution, and energy contributions. It was found that there are two main unsteady flow structures which are the areas with high risks of vaporization under this study condition. According to the flow characteristics of the analysis, an optimization scheme was proposed to improve the two-phase flow problem in the secondary impeller, and the preliminary results were satisfactory.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Yang & Tao Peng & Gang Xu & Wenli Hu & Huazhou Zhong & Xiaohua Liu, 2023. "A Study and Optimization of the Unsteady Flow Characteristics in the Last Stage Impeller of a Small-Scale Multi-Stage Hydraulic Turbine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2023:i:1:p:107-:d:1306690
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Huahuang Lai & Haoshu Wang & Zhen Zhou & Rongsheng Zhu & Yun Long, 2023. "Research on Cavitation Performance of Bidirectional Integrated Pump Gate," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Jafarzadeh Juposhti, Hessan & Maddahian, Reza & Cervantes, Michel J., 2021. "Optimization of axial water injection to mitigate the Rotating Vortex Rope in a Francis turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 214-231.
    3. Yang, Jun & Pavesi, Giorgio & Liu, Xiaohua & Xie, Tian & Liu, Jun, 2018. "Unsteady flow characteristics regarding hump instability in the first stage of a multistage pump-turbine in pump mode," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 377-385.
    4. Jinbao Chen & Yang Zheng & Lihong Zhang & Xiaoyu Chen & Dong Liu & Zhihuai Xiao, 2023. "Influence Analysis of Runner Inlet Diameter of Hydraulic Turbine in Turbine Mode with Ultra-Low Specific Speed," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-16, October.
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