Riabova S. Hydrodynamic improvement of the Kaplan turbine based on the use of spatial profiling of the runner blades

The object of the study is hydrodynamic processes in the flowing part of the Kaplan hydro turbine. The purpose of the study is to improve the energy characteristics of the flowing part of the Kaplan hydro turbine due to the spatial profiling of runner blades. Methods of research. Numerical and experimental methods of investigation have been used in the work. Mathematical modeling of hydrodynamic processes in flowing parts of Kaplan hydro turbines has been carried out using the methods of computational fluid dynamics, which are implemented in the software package IPMflow. Experimental studies have been performed on the energy-cavitation stand of the special design bureau "Turbohydromash" PJSC "Turboatom" (Kharkov). Theoretical and practical results: 1. The method of spatial profiling of runner blades based on application of complex axial, circular and combined offsets has been proposed, which allows improving the design quality and efficiency of the flow parts of Kaplan hydro turbines. 2. The influence of complex axial and circular offsets of the runners on flow structure and integral energy parameters that can be used in the design and modernization of the flow parts of Kaplan turbines have been established. 3. The runner with combined peripheral offset with improved energy performance has been developed which is planned to be used in the modernization of the Kremenchug hydroelectric power plant. 4. The results of the research are used in PJSC "Turboatom" in the development of flow parts of Kaplan hydro turbines. Scientific novelty: the study of the effect of flow parameters at the inlet to the design area on the characteristics of the flowing part has been further developing, the range of operation modes of the Kaplan turbine has been established, which ensures uniform distribution of hydrodynamic values in the circular direction at the entrance to the runner; the approach to the spatial profiling of runner blades of Kaplan turbines has been proposed for the first time, based on the application of complex offsets in the axial and circular directions, which allows improving the energy characteristics of the flowing part of the Kaplan hydro turbine; the regularities of influence of circular and axial offsets of runner blades of Kaplan hydro turbine on flow structure and integral energy indicators which will be used at designing and modernizations of flowing parts have been established for the first time. Implementation: OJSC "Turboatom", s. Kharkov. Sphere of use: hydro turbine structure