Increasing efficiency of an existing francis turbine by rehabilitation process

Abstract

As a renewable energy type, hydraulic energy has an important role in power generation. Francis turbines are the most common turbine type in use for hydraulic power generation. A francis turbine's main components are spiral case, stay vanes, guide vanes, runner and draft tube. As the design processes of components differ with head and discharge values for each turbine, the process requires much effort and time. In recent years, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are commonly used to predict hydraulic performance of turbines since it is more economical and effective in time management. In this study, a Francis turbine is designed based on head and discharge values of an existing turbine at Kesikköprü, Ankara with an efficiency about %89 and analysed with commercial CFD codes. Pressure and velocity distributions of turbine components and turbine efficiency are examined. As a result of this study, it is obtained that there is an increment about %5 in planted turbine's efficiency. Thus, the francis turbine can generate more power with a rehabilitation process.