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Synergetic Improvement of Blade Entry and Water Admission Angles for High Efficiency Cross-Flow Turbines in Micro-Hydropower Applications

Author

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  • Ephrem Yohannes Assefa

    (School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Technology, 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 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

Cross-Flow Turbines (CFTs) are widely recognized for their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in micro-hydropower (MHP) systems. However, their hydraulic efficiency remains highly sensitive to geometric configurations, particularly the Blade Entry Angle (BEA) and Water Admission Angle (WAA). This study presents a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) investigation of CFT performance across a wide range of BEA (5–40°) and WAA (45–105°) combinations at runner speeds from 150 to 1200 rpm, under constant head and flow conditions. The simulations were performed using a steady-state Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) model coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the SST k–ω turbulence closure. Benchmarking against the widely used industrial standard configuration (BEA = 30°, WAA = 90°), which achieved 79.1% efficiency at 900 rpm, this study identifies an optimized setup at BEA = 15° and WAA = 60° delivering a peak efficiency of 84.91% and shaft power output of 225.5 W—representing an efficiency gain of approximately 5.8%. The standard configuration was found to suffer from flow misalignment, jet dispersion, and increased internal energy loss, particularly at off-design speeds. In contrast, optimized geometries ensured stable pressure gradients, coherent jet–blade interaction, and enhanced momentum transfer. The results provide a validated performance map and establish a robust design reference for enhancing CFT efficiency and reliability in decentralized renewable energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ephrem Yohannes Assefa & Asfafaw Haileselassie Tesfay, 2025. "Synergetic Improvement of Blade Entry and Water Admission Angles for High Efficiency Cross-Flow Turbines in Micro-Hydropower Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-35, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4540-:d:1733932
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Acharya, Nirmal & Kim, Chang-Gu & Thapa, Bhola & Lee, Young-Ho, 2015. "Numerical analysis and performance enhancement of a cross-flow hydro turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 819-826.
    2. Elbatran, A.H. & Yaakob, O.B. & Ahmed, Yasser M. & Shabara, H.M., 2015. "Operation, performance and economic analysis of low head micro-hydropower turbines for rural and remote areas: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 40-50.
    3. Leguizamón, Sebastián & Avellan, François, 2020. "Computational parametric analysis of the design of cross-flow turbines under constraints," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 300-311.
    4. Ram Chandra Adhikari & Jerson Vaz & David Wood, 2016. "Cavitation Inception in Crossflow Hydro Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-12, March.
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