Design and characterization of francis type turbines for hydroelectric power plants using cfd methods

The purpose of this thesis is to meet the electricity needs of facilities operated by the Izmir Water and Sewerage Administration (IZSU) using renewable energy sources, procure energy at lower costs, and lead the way in harnessing unused energy nationwide by establishing a hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) using in-container turbine systems on the Karabaglar Pump Station water supply line, which has an unmanned operational structure. It is related to the design and optimization process of a water turbine carried out on behalf of İZSU HEPP. The aim is to optimize the efficiency and power output of the turbine components, considering the 70 m head and 0.86 m³/s flow rate values of the IZSU Hydropower Plant. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques were employed in the design process. Initially, design parameters were determined based on similarity laws, with reference to the BUSKİ HEPP. Subsequently, the turbine runner was optimized using CFD techniques, incorporating modifications to crucial parameters such as beta, theta angles, thickness, and lean angle to enhance the design. Then, the draft tube design was addressed, and the draft tube was designed parametrically. Parameters such as the cone angle and length of the draft tube were selected during the design of the draft tube. The draft tube designed for the IZSU HEPP was configured as a smooth, conical draft tube due to construction planning and beinga containerized turbine. As a result, this study successfully designed a Francis-type turbine with an efficiency of 91.70% and a power output of 541 kW.