Free surface vortices at hydropower intakes: – A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

For years, the study of free surface vortices at hydropower plant intakes has been a topical and intriguing subject among engineers and researchers. This subject will continue to attract attention especially as the world strives to meet the ever-increasing demand for energy. Despite the numerous benefits associated with hydropower, the sustainability of some hydropower plants is being threatened due to low inflows often associated with climate change. Free surface vortices associated with low water levels or submergence at plant intakes can have very detrimental consequences on the operation of hydropower plants if not addressed. Notwithstanding this, free surface vortex flows have also been found to be very relevant in emerging technologies such as the water vortex hydropower plant system. This paper, therefore, presents a state-of-the-art review of the subject including summarised historical findings, but with an emphasis on current developments, findings and research gaps to guide practitioners and researchers. In response to the research gaps identified, the authors make a number of recommendations for further studies which include establishing relationships between free surface vortices formation and turbine efficiency, development of more accurate models for critical submergence and free surface vortices, assessment of free surface vortices at multiple and multi-level intakes, establishing the relationship between free surface vortices and sediment transport at intakes, application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shape optimization tools for intake and anti-vortex device optimisation, as well as the continuing development of CFD tools to simulate air-entrained vortices at hydropower intakes.