Numerical analysis and runner shape optimization of a high head pump-turbine

Abstract A set of numerical approaches ranging from the time-consuming unsteady full turbine RANS approach to a very fast periodic steady-stage approach were considered for CFD simulation of flow in Francis pump-turbines. Their computational efforts and accuracy of efficiency prediction were assessed through comparison with experimental data in both pump and turbine modes. It was shown that the unsteady full turbine approach is needed for accurate simulation of low discharge regimes in pump mode. From the other hand, near the optimum and in the high discharge zone, periodic steady-stage approach can be utilized. Next, an approach for multi-objective runner shape optimization of pump-turbine runners was proposed. Thirty free design parameters allowed flexible variation of runner blade shape, hub and band curves, as well as the height of the distributor, linked to the guide vane opening angle. Two or three reference operating points, indicating the turbine performance and head in both turbine and pump modes, were taken for optimization. Cavitation characteristics were accounted for through special constraints. The approach was tested for a 500 m head pump-turbine. It was shown that the optimized runners significantly outperform the initial one in terms of efficiency with comparable cavitation performance.