Abstract
This paper addresses the design, modeling, and performance analysis of a Pelton turbine using CFD for one of the selected micro hydro potential sites in Ethiopia to meet the requirements of the energy demands. The site has a net head of 47.5 m and flow rate of 0.14 m3/s. The design process starts with the design of initial dimensions for the runner based on different literatures and directed towards the modeling of bucket using CATIA V5. The performance of the runner has been analyzed in ANSYS CFX (CFD) under given loading conditions of the turbine. Consequently, the present study has also the ambition to reduce the size of the runner to have a cost effective runner design. The case study described in this paper provides an example of how the size of turbine can affect the efficiency of the turbine. These were discussed in detail which helps in understanding of the underlying fluid dynamic design problem as an aid for improving the efficiency and lowering the manufacturing cost for future study. The result showed that the model is highly dependent on the size and this was verified and discussed properly using flow visualization of the computed flow field and published result.
Highlights
Despite the fact that many rural communities have good access to plenty of water resources, the most serious problem faced by a country like Ethiopia is that of rural electrification
This study provides a guideline for selecting, designing, modeling, and performance analysis of a micro hydro Pelton turbine and provides an example of how the size of turbine (PCD) can affect the efficiency of the turbine
The paper describes the methods used for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of scaled model Pelton turbine which is ideally designed for Melkey Herra Village hydropower plant using ANSYS CFX software
Summary
Despite the fact that many rural communities have good access to plenty of water resources, the most serious problem faced by a country like Ethiopia is that of rural electrification. Rural Electrification Fund (REF), which is operating under the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MWIE), is working to control the energy crisis in the country [1,2,3]. In its effort, it has identified some potential micro hydro sites in the country. Out of the total potentials for micro hydro power (MHPs) in the country (over 1000 MW) only a minute portion of it (less than 1%) is developed [4] If these water resources were properly harnessed, it will help Ethiopia to meet its power demand and maintain her economic growth for the decade. Future of micro hydro developments in the country would need a manufacturer to provide turbines and parts with new design
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