Three-dimensional modelling and numerical analysis of Pelton turbine runner buckets

Abstract The Pelton turbine, a hydraulic prime mover, harnesses high-pressure water jets’ kinetic energy to drive the rotation of its runner buckets, converting water energy into mechanical energy. Due to its straightforward design and applicability in high to super high head scenarios, it has been a mainstay in power stations for many years. The bucket, a critical component of the Pelton turbine’s runner, plays a pivotal role in the unit’s performance. Using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) to develop a parametric water bucket model enhances adaptability. Also, performing unsteady numerical simulations on the model analyses its hydraulic characteristics and flow state distribution. The numerical calculations fundamentally capture the unsteady flow conditions within the rotating buckets, with the results of the flow pattern distribution largely aligning with those documented in existing research. This provides a reference for enhancing the hydraulic performance of Pelton turbine runners.