A Study on CFD Analysis Methods using Francis-99 Workshop Model

Abstract

The Francis-99 is a workshop initiated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway, and Lulea University of Technology (LTU), Sweden, in order to further validate the capabilities of the CFD technologies. The goal of the first workshop is to determine the state of the art of numerical predictions for steady operating conditions. When performing the CFD analysis, some geometry details are often neglected. In case of Francis Turbine, labyrinth seals are usually not include in the simulation domain, this may lead to inaccurate prediction of turbine efficiency. In this study, the CFD analysis for Francis-99 Workshop model has been performed for full domain of machine including top and bottom labyrinth seals. The efficiency value and distribution of velocity and pressure have been investigated and compared to the experimental data obtained from NTNU. By comparing the results, it was found that: With the top and bottom labyrinth seals in the domain, the CFD result was significantly improved in prediction of efficiency at all the operating point, especially at part load.