Volute optimization and CFD analysis of Francis turbine

To mitigate the parameter variations within the turbine volute during operation, which resulting in turbine component damage and increased hydraulic losses, this paper proposes an optimization and retrofitting strategy for the turbine volute. The volute's structural conFigure.uration is optimized using the adjoint solver approach, and the changes in the internal flow field are numerically evaluated before and after the turbine optimization. Computational results demonstrate that the proposed optimization scheme reduces the gradient of the overall pressure distribution within the volute's internal flow field, leading to a smoother and controlled alteration of the overall flow velocity of water. Moreover, the optimization effectively improves the distribution pattern of the volute's flow field. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the inlet and outlet pressure drop and energy loss, before and after optimization, reveals an increase in pressure drop and a decrease in energy losses. These findings highlight the potential of employing the adjoint solver-based approach for volute optimization.