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Effect of Blade Profile on Flow Characteristics and Efficiency of Cross-Flow Turbines

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  • Ephrem Yohannes Assefa

    (School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Technology, Mekelle, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
    Institute of Energy, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia)

  • Asfafaw Haileselassie Tesfay

    (School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Technology, Mekelle, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
    Institute of Energy, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
    Department of Civil Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation into the influence of blade profile geometry on the internal flow dynamics and hydraulic performance of Cross-Flow Turbines (CFTs) under varying runner speeds. Four blade configurations, flat, round, sharp, and aerodynamic, were systematically evaluated using steady-state, two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The Shear Stress Transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model was employed to resolve the flow separation, recirculation, and turbulence across both energy conversion stages of the turbine. The simulations were performed across runner speeds ranging from 270 to 940 rpm under a constant head of 10 m. The performance metrics, including the torque, hydraulic efficiency, water volume fraction, pressure distribution, and velocity field characteristics, were analyzed in detail. The aerodynamic blade consistently outperformed the other geometries, achieving a peak efficiency of 83.5% at 800 rpm, with improved flow attachment, reduced vortex shedding, and lower exit pressure. Sharp blades also demonstrated competitive efficiency within a narrower optimal speed range. In contrast, the flat and round blades exhibited higher turbulence and recirculation, particularly at off-optimal speeds. The results underscore the pivotal role of blade edge geometry in enhancing energy recovery, suppressing flow instabilities, and optimizing the stage-wise performance in CFTs. These findings offer valuable insights for the design of high-efficiency, site-adapted turbines suitable for micro-hydropower applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ephrem Yohannes Assefa & Asfafaw Haileselassie Tesfay, 2025. "Effect of Blade Profile on Flow Characteristics and Efficiency of Cross-Flow Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-33, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:12:p:3203-:d:1682067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ephrem Yohannes Assefa & Asfafaw Haileselassie Tesfay, 2025. "Effect of Blade Number on Internal Flow and Performance Characteristics in Low-Head Cross-Flow Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-32, January.
    2. Guo, Qiang & Zhou, Lingjiu & Wang, Zhengwei, 2016. "Numerical evaluation of the clearance geometries effect on the flow field and performance of a hydrofoil," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 390-397.
    3. Ram Adhikari & David Wood, 2018. "The Design of High Efficiency Crossflow Hydro Turbines: A Review and Extension," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Endashaw Tesfaye Woldemariam & Hirpa G. Lemu & G. Gary Wang, 2018. "CFD-Driven Valve Shape Optimization for Performance Improvement of a Micro Cross-Flow Turbine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, January.
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