Numerical and Experimental Validation of a New Methodology for the Design of Michel-Banki Turbine

Abstract

Michell-Banki cross-flow turbines (MBT) are low-cost turbines that are easy to manufacture and maintain, which makes them ideal for implementation in small-scale hydroelectric projects. Although the MBT has lower efficiencies than turbines such as the Pelton and Francis, it maintains its efficiency stable in the face of fluctuations in flow conditions. The objective of this study is to validate, both numerically and experimentally, a new design methodology that allows the construction of an MBT based on site conditions. For this purpose, the design of the different components of an MBT was implemented according to the site conditions. The experimentation was carried out in a hydraulic test bench, which consists of a water tank, a centrifugal pump, a piping system, a PMAG SGM LEKTRA magnetic flow meter, a TRS605 FUTEK torque sensor, a pressure gauge, and a model of MBT designed and manufactured from scratch. It was concluded that the proposed methodology allows for obtaining experimental and numerical efficiencies of and, respectively. Thus, a numerical-experimental validation of the MBT design and manufacturing methodology could be carried out.