Computational Flow Analysis on a Real Scale Run-of-River Archimedes Screw Turbine with a High Incline Angle

Abstract

The Archimedes screw turbine (AST) is the most sustainable mini-hydropower extraction method that offers number of economic, social, and environmental advantages. Nowadays, many researchers are interested in AST development as it is considered a new technology. Currently, a lot of researchers are conducting experimental testing of the screws, comparing their reliability with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. Almost all of them are lab-scale testing models that claiming an average 80% efficiency for low pitch angles. In the case of a real site with a small inclination angle, the length of the screw is large enough to cause severe problems, specially related to bending of the screw. Therefore, this research was conducted to analyze the CFD flow field in a real site-scale AST with the maximum possible inclination of 45 degrees. In addition, the design was done without the upper and lower reservoir as it was conceived as a run-of-river flow system. The simulated real scale AST result showed a maximum efficiency of around 82% for a 5.2 m hydraulic head and 0.232 m3/s discharge. Many researchers claim above 80% efficiency for low inclination angle ASTs with reservoirs. This CFD study indicates that even higher inclination angle ASTs can achieve 80% efficiency in run-of-river; real-scale applications.