Analysis of the Inlet Forebay Flow Patterns of a Tubular Turbine Under Parallel Operation

The operation of tubular hydropower station is influenced by upstream water inflow, and the coordinated operation of the units can pose significant threats to the upstream water diversion system. This study focuses on the upstream water diversion system of a low-head tubular hydropower station. Based on fluid dynamics methods, the study analyses the impact of different inlet flow rates of two units on the flow patterns within the station's inlet forebay. The results indicate that an increase in the unit's inlet flow rate increases turbulence within the inlet forebay. Additionally, the sand barrier in the inlet forebay can control the further intensification of vortices. Applying the FTLE method provides a different means for analyzing the vortex formation mechanism in the inlet forebay of a tubular hydropower station.