Numerical Investigation of Erosion in Pelton Turbine using OpenFOAM

Expected Outcomes:
The run-of-river hydropower plants especially operating in the mountainous region face several operation and maintenance challenges with huge economic losses due to the sediment erosion problems in the hydro-mechanical components. The rivers in the mountainous regions with sediment characteristics of very high concentration and dominant composition of hard minerals like quartz and feldspar lead to excessive wear and tear in the Turbine components in a very short period of time. This will eventually cause large vibrations in the turbine components and efficiency degradation problems. In the long run, the system will observe fatigue failures. So, unexpected power shutdowns and untimely maintenance schedules are needed causing huge losses to energy production schedules. The Pelton Turbines are most preferable to operate in high-head water resources which are significantly available in the mountainous regions around the world. So, the main focus of the research study is to develop a numerical model for Pelton Turbine Injector that can accurately predict sediment erosion in various components using open-source CFD software OpenFOAM. The main outcome will be to perform a numerical simulation of sediment erosion in Pelton Turbine Injector System of a reference hydropower plant using OpenFOAM that will provide an accurate estimation of the erosion regions and erosion rates with detailed visualization of the erosion mechanism on how various sizes of sediment particles and openings influence the erosion pattern. The experimental Investigation will provide a good estimation of the erosion region and patterns as in the real case of the reference hydropower plant. The validation of numerical results with the experimental results will help provide a quantitative analysis of the erosion rate in the Pelton Turbine Injector system. The numerical model will also be used to accurately predict the sediment erosion rates in the Pelton Turbine Injector system for other cases of hydropower plants as well. The numerical model will provide an accurate estimation of erosion regions, patterns and erosion rates for design optimization strategy on the most critical regions. Finally, the research will enhance the use of open source CFD software: OpenFOAM in the field of hydropower Industry facing sediment erosion problems and challenges.

Supervisors from host and Partner Universities
Prof. Bhola Thapa, PhD, Kathmandu University
Asst. Prof. Sailesh Chitrakar, PhD, Kathmandu University
Prof. Hari Prasad Neopane, PhD, Kathmandu University
Prof. Zhongdong Qian, PhD, Wuhan University
Assoc. Prof. Zhiwei Guo, PhD, Wuhan University