Simulation and validation of a Francis turbine load rejection procedure using OpenFOAM CFD code

Abstract The effect of off-design operation on the health of hydraulic turbines is known to be adverse, with substantial compromise in efficiency, due to evolvement of flow instability in the draft tube and consequent pressure fluctuation. The worst-case scenario may entail resonance between developed pressure fluctuation and system natural frequencies and therefore lead to power swings, possible mechanical vibrations and machine wear and tear. Present global energy ambition, however, necessitates frequent off-design operation and as such development of accurate numerical methods to determine the anomalous flow field in the turbomachine is mandated. To this end, a load rejecting transient operation of a model high head Francis turbine from design operating point to part load condition is simulated using a hybrid turbulence modelling approach. A detailed analysis of the draft tube velocity field is carried out after validation of the test case with experimental investigations that have discerned similar results. Spatio-temporal features, such as central flow stagnation, flow separation, central flow recirculation and development of a precessing vortex core, which are embodiments of the vortex breakdown phenomenon are thoroughly analysed and discussed. Finally, the draft tube flow is visualized using streamlines on the meridional plane and tracked as the turbine transitions from design to part load operating conditions.