Abstract
Integrating vertical-axis runners into ball valves for energy harvesting from pressurized pipes in water supply systems has become a promising scheme of self-supplying power (referred to as the “GreenValve” scheme). In addition to energy harvesting, the GreenValve configuration also has the function of fluid regulating, which makes a qualitative breakthrough in both structure and function. However, the runner specially used to match the ball valve has not been fully studied and designed. Hence, based on the traditional Savonius rotor, a modified semi-elliptical runner is proposed in this study. To better match the ball valve structurally, the roundness of the runner at blade tip position is improved and, thus, the initial runner configuration is obtained. Moreover, research on blade profile flatness and runner aspect ratio is conducted in FLUENT software to be more functionally compatible with the ball valve. Numerical results indicate that the GreenValve always performs best in terms of shaft power at 25% opening regardless of the aspect ratio and the flatness. When the flatness value is equal to 0.7, the GreenValve presents the maximum shaft power and the second highest flow coefficient which is only 1.9% lower than the maximum value. Comparison results of three models with different aspect ratios reveal that the model with the smallest aspect ratio has a slight reduction in flow capacity while a significant improvement in shaft power, reaching a maximum shaft power of 78.6W.
Highlights
Solving the problem of pipeline leakage is a challenging work for all over the world
The tip speed ratios (TSRs) in this paper are given as preconditions, but their values cannot be arbitrarily specified
According to our previous research, the tip speed ratio has a great impact on the energy harvesting characteristics of the GreenValve while a small effect on its fluid regulating characteristics
Summary
Solving the problem of pipeline leakage is a challenging work for all over the world. A vertical axis turbine is firstly integrated inside the control valve by Malavasi et al [16] to harvest the water energy in the pressurized pipe They have proved that the GreenValve scheme is both technically and economically feasible through experiments [17]. In this study, a modified Savonius runner is considered to be integrated into the ball valve to harvest the surplus water energy in the pipeline. The literature review indicates that blade profile and aspect ratio have significant effects on the performance improvement of traditional Savonius turbines These two parameters of the Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW. CF2D.1.inGvreesetniVgatlvioenDsecsocnricpetrionning the blade profile and the aspect ratio of the newly developed Savonius runner equipped in the GreenValve are conducted in this paper.
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