STUDY OF THE PROCESS OF EROSION OF A MICRO HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT (HPP) TURBINES IN THE FORM OF A HYDROCYCLONE

Abstract

One of the severe problems of a hydroelectric power plant (HPP) is providing a hydroelectric unit with purified water with the required pressure. Otherwise, the central working bodies - hydraulic turbines - are subjected to abrasive wear and quickly fail. Abrasive wear reduces the efficiency and life of the turbine and causes problems in operation and maintenance. This research aimed to study the degree of abrasive wear (erosion rate) of the surface of a blade hydraulic turbine of a micro HPP during water purification using a hydrocyclone and to ensure its rational layout based on the studies. Investigation of damage to the turbine surface from the dynamic impact was carried out by computer modeling of the process using the Autodesk Simulation CFD program, with different versions of the hydrocyclone body and testing of an experimental sample. Additional software SolidWorks (flow simulation) was used to check the calculations. It was found that the forms of particle hardness in water significantly affect the rate and magnitude of erosion, and a different design of the treatment body in the form of a hydrocyclone in different ways ensures the separation of the flow into phases. A rational scheme for installing a hydraulic turbine inside a hydrocyclone was selected, which provides the required power characteristic of a mini hydroelectric power station and other necessary parameters. The highest degree of water purification from solid impurities (94%) was achieved using the configuration option in a cylindrical-conical design with a rotational water inlet into the hydrocyclone. The location of the hydraulic turbine inside a hydrocyclone of a certain design and the tangential supply of water to the blades of the hydraulic turbine significantly protects the surface of the unit from the effects of solid particles. Their service life can be increased without additional investment in the restoration of the unit.