A Parametric Study of a Gravitation Vortex Power Plant

Abstract

This study is the analysis and design of a basin structure which has the ability to form a gravitational vortex stream. Such a high velocity water vortex stream can possibly be used as an alternative energy resource. In this study we are interested in the formation of a water vortex stream by gravitation, which is a new technique used in the field of hydro power engineering. The advantage of this method for electrical generation is the capability of producing energy using low heads of 0.7 to 3 meters. It can be applied in a low head micro hydro power plant. The governing equations are the Navier-Stokes equations. The SIMPLE method was adopted to solve the discretized equation. The flow fields in the flume, under different incoming flow conditions and basin configurations, were numerically simulated using the software ANSYS Fluent. The studies investigated parameters which affect the velocity vector flow field, which include 1) Outlet diameter at the bottom center of basin 2) Gravitational vortex head and 3) Flow rate. Computational fluid dynamics is used to simulate the vector flow field. The tangential and radial velocity distribution is used to determine the suitable turbine blade for testing. A gravitational vortex power plant model is created to investigate electrical power output.