Turbine Flow Research Articles

Numerical study of cavitation characteristics in mixed-flow turbine

Abstract In this paper, a numerical method is employed to investigate the internal flow of a mixed-flow turbine. A fully three-dimensional turbulence calculation method is adopted, utilizing the RNG k-ε turbulence model and SIMPLE algorithm. This simulation calculates the entire flow channel from the volute inlet to the draft tube outlet in a single comprehensive simulation. Based on the obtained three-dimensional cavitation flow field data, a flow field analysis of the runner’s internal flow is conducted, allowing for the computation of the critical cavitation coefficient. Additionally, the cavitation conditions at the runner outlet and within the draft tube under different cavitation characteristics are simulated.

Not-A-Knot cubic spline model to predict accurately the viscosity calibration curve of turbine flow meter with experiment validation

Not-A-Knot cubic spline model to predict accurately the viscosity calibration curve of turbine flow meter with experiment validation

NUMERICAL STUDY OF FLOW PARAMETERS IN THE HIGH-HEAD FRANCIS TURBINE

The scientific exploration of numerical computation regarding spatial flow within hydraulic machinery components is examined. A survey of contemporary software systems is conducted, and the benefits of their utilization over experimental studies are evaluated. It is indicated that the optimal approach involves a blend of experimental investigations and numerical simulation. This methodology facilitates the validation of simulation outcomes under real-world conditions and iteratively enhances the model based on acquired data. A review of the widely utilized Ansys software program is provided, emphasizing its pivotal features and capabilities for analyzing flow components of hydraulic turbines. An algorithm for computing flow parameters in hydraulic turbines using the Ansys software suite is outlined. The subject of this study is the high-head Francis hydraulic turbine Fr 500. The turbine's geometry was constructed employing a sector-based approach. This technique allows for significant simplification of calculations within the computational fluid dynamics framework, thereby reducing computational workload while preserving result accuracy. In selecting mathematical and turbulence models, a comprehensive analysis of the problem was undertaken, identifying models most suitable for the specific situation to ensure dependable numerical simulation outcomes. For spatial flow calculations in the turbine's flow component, the standard k-ε turbulence model was adopted. Considerable attention was devoted to mesh generation, as mesh quality strongly influences result accuracy and reliability. An unstructured mesh comprising tetrahedral-shaped cells was employed for discretizing the flow component, with local mesh refinement at the edges of the runner blades and guide vanes. As a result of numerical computations, the values of primary flow parameters for the design operating mode were determined. A visualization of the flow within the flow component is provided, alongside the assessment of hydraulic losses and turbine efficiency. The efficiency values obtained differ from corresponding experimental values by no more than 1 %. A thorough examination of the flow structure within the flow path was conducted, yielding recommendations for adjusting the blade angle β1 to reduce inlet impact losses.

Wind Turbine Wake Regulation Method Coupling Actuator Model and Engineering Wake Model

The wake effect is one of the main factors affecting the power generation of wind farms. Wake regulation is often used to reduce the wake interference between wind turbines. Accurate assessment of the wake flow of wind turbine is essential to wake regulation. Engineering wake models are widely used for rapid evaluation of the wake at present due to lower computational resource cost. However, the selection of empirical parameters of the wake model has significant influence on the prediction accuracy, especially in the case of yaw. The actuator model based on CFD simulation has less dependence on empirical parameters and higher simulation accuracy. However, the computational cost is too high for wake regulation for large wind farms. This paper proposed an improved wake regulation method that combines the advantages of the actuator line model (ALM) method and the engineering wake mode. The simulation results of the ALM is used to calibrate the empirical parameters of the engineering wake model. The calibrated wake model can be used to optimize the yaw angle of wind turbines during wake regulation. The accuracy of two models is compared using wind tunnel experimental data. The ALM results give better agreement to the experimental data. The Horns Rev wind farm case is used for the coupled method verification. The power generation increase using the engineering wake model is obviously greater than that of the ALM. After calibrating the wake model, the gap between the two power predictions is greatly narrowed, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed coupling method can be used to improve the credibility of the wake regulation with affordable computational cost.

ON THE APPLICATION OF BACKGROUND ORIENTED SCHLIEREN TO A TRANSONIC LOW-REYNOLDS TURBINE CASCADE

Abstract Qualitative and quantitative visualizations of transonic turbomachinery flows provide essential information on compressibility effects on boundary layer development, shock-boundary layer interactions and trailing edge flows. Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) is a relatively new optical technique that allows capturing density gradient fields through turbomachinery cascades and thus, quantitative experimental data to validate transonic and supersonic blade designs. However, only very few experimental works in the open literature have successfully applied BOS to transonic turbine or compressor flows. The current study presents the application of BOS to a transonic low pressure turbine cascade, the VKI SPLEEN C1 cascade for a range of Reynolds numbers (70,000 to 140,000) and transonic Mach numbers (0.90 to 1.00). The linear turbine cascade is tested at the von Karman Institute in the S-1/C high-speed wind tunnel. The test section is instrumented with different BOS optical setups to visualize time-resolved density gradients through the turbine passage and at the trailing edge plane with dedicated field of views. The BOS images are processed using the cross-correlation algorithm, and the optical flow approach, recently introduced in BOS applications to gain spatial resolution and increased sensitivity. Steady-state density gradients of the cascade flow characterize the airfoil boundary layers, wakes and shock waves. The results from the two data reduction methods are assessed and compared against available RANS predictions. Time-resolved measurements reveal the low-frequency motion of weak shock waves generated in the blade passage using POD and spectra analysis.

Research on unsteady flow characteristics of turbocharger turbine stage with coupling inlet and exhaust casings

The inlet and exhaust casings of marine turbochargers are closely coupled to the axial flow turbine. These are crucial parts that work with the axial flow turbine and have the ability to raise the power plant’s output power even higher. Their final stage of the axial flow turbine and the exhaust casing’s complex flow due to their close relationship will have a significant effect on each other’s aerodynamic performance. However, most existing studies have not paid sufficient attention to this coupled transient interaction. In this paper, the flow interaction between the axial flow turbine and the inlet and exhaust casings is studied. Particular attention is paid to the study of the coupled flow characteristics under design and variable operating conditions. This study is carried out using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The computational domain consists of an inlet casing, 28 stator blades, 43 rotor blades, and an exhaust casing. The commercial CFD software ANSYS CFX solver and the SST turbulence model are used to simulate the unsteady flow field of the turbocharger axial turbine coupled to the inlet and exhaust casings. In this paper, the turbine flow field and the inlet and exhaust casings flow fields are analyzed, and the influence of the exhaust casing on rotor surface pressure fluctuation is discussed. In addition, the flow field distribution and performance parameters of the axial flow turbine coupled with the inlet and exhaust casings under three different operating conditions have been calculated and analyzed. The results show that the inlet casing affects the circumferential distribution of the stator leading edge pressure, while the asymmetric back pressure caused by the exhaust casing flow field causes the low-frequency pressure fluctuation at the rotor blade surface. At the trailing edge of the suction surface, the complex flow separation and vortex structure in the exhaust casing are the main factors causing rotor-stator interaction. The low-frequency fluctuation amplitude caused by the exhaust casing is greater than that caused by the high-frequency fluctuation of the rotor-stator interaction. Moreover, as the flow coefficient increases, the low-frequency fluctuation amplitude is much greater than the high-frequency fluctuation amplitude.

Analysis of flow and energy dissipation in pump turbine with small guide vane opening

In this study, a detailed flow state analysis of a reversible pump turbine (RPT) under small guide vane opening conditions was conducted using both numerical simulation and experimental methods on three analysis planes at 0.5 span. The entropy production rate (EPR) in entropy production theory was utilized to visualize the location and magnitude of energy losses in the flow process. The focus was placed on the coherent vortex structures in the volute, stay vane, guide vane, and runner flow path. The results demonstrate that, throughout the runner’s cycle, the leading edge of the guide vane experiences low-pressure regions with uneven pressure distribution within the runner channel. Velocity streamlines reveal flow separation and vortex generation at the typical guide vane trailing edge, with a maximum velocity reaching 49.7. Analysis of radial force and torque on typical guide vanes and the runner indicates that radial force and torque on the guide vanes do not significantly change, with the radial force coefficient CF r−x varying between 0.254 and 1.3. Major energy losses are concentrated behind the trailing edge of the guide vane, primarily in the form of jet wake. Coherent vortex structures are observed in the volute, stay vane, guide vane, and runner flow path, with slight turbulent wake at the trailing edge of the stay vane, clear shedding vortex streets, and vortex build-up in the bladeless area between the guide vane and the runner.

A meso–micro atmospheric perturbation model for wind farm blockage

As wind farms continue to grow in size, mesoscale effects such as blockage and gravity waves become increasingly important. Allaerts & Meyers (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 862, 2019, pp. 990–1028) proposed an atmospheric perturbation model (APM) that can simulate the interaction of wind farms and the atmospheric boundary layer while keeping computational costs low. The model resolves the mesoscale flow, and couples to a wake model to estimate the turbine inflow velocities at the microscale. This study presents a new way of coupling the mesoscale APM to a wake model, based on matching the velocity between the models throughout the farm. This method performs well, but requires good estimates of the turbine-level velocity fields by the wake model. Additionally, we investigate the mesoscale effects of a large wind farm, and find that aside from the turbine forces and increased turbulence levels, the dispersive stresses due to subgrid flow heterogeneity also play an important role at the entrance of the farm, and contribute to the global blockage effect. By using the wake model coupling, we can explicitly incorporate these stresses in the model. The resulting APM is validated using 27 prior large-eddy simulations of a large wind farm under different atmospheric conditions. The APM and large-eddy simulation results are compared on both mesoscale and turbine scale, and on turbine power output. The APM captures the overall effects that gravity waves have on wind farm power production, and significantly outperforms standard wake models.

Determination of angle of attack and dynamic stall loop in the complex vortical flow of a vertical axis wind turbine

To improve the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) design, the angle of attack (AOA) and airfoil data must be treated correctly. The present paper develops a method for determining AOA on a VAWT based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. First, a CFD analysis of a two-bladed VAWT equipped with a NACA 0012 airfoil is conducted. The thrust and power coefficients are validated through experiments. Second, the blade force and velocity data at monitoring points are collected. The AOA at different azimuth angles is determined by removing the blade self-induction at the monitoring point. Then, the lift and drag coefficients as a function of AOA are extracted. Results show that this method is independent of the monitoring points selection located at certain distance to the blades and the extracted dynamic stall hysteresis is more precise than the one with the “usual” method without considering the self-induction from bound vortices.

LOSS BREAKDOWN IN AXIAL TURBINES: A NEW METHOD FOR VORTEX LOSS AND WAKE DETECTION FROM 3D RANS SIMULATIONS

Abstract To enhance turbine efficiency, it is essential to mitigate the losses generated by irreversible phenomena in turbine flows, including boundary layers, shock waves, vortices, and trailing edge wakes. Fast and accurate detection of losses is crucial from the earliest design stages, where reduced-order models based on oversimplified correlations are employed. This requires a deep understanding of the physics behind loss-generating mechanisms, attainable by examining the 3D flow. While existing criteria can identify various phenomena, accurately quantifying vortex-generated losses remains challenging, as these losses frequently extend beyond the vortical structure. This paper provides a straightforward and effective approach to localize and assess vortex-related losses. The method is grounded in Zlatinov's decomposition of the entropy generation rate into a streamwise and secondary flow component. A criterion based on vortex kinematics evaluates the vortex's strength, enabling the determination of its spatial influence and contribution to overall losses. To validate the method, a post-processing code is developed to perform loss breakdown, using existing identification criteria and new techniques introduced within this work, particularly for wake detection. 3D RANS simulations on various configurations, from simple curved ducts to nozzle guide vanes, allow to gradually test and validate the computational tool. Results confirm that the highest entropy generation rates occur outside the vortical structure and show good ability to identify both the vortex shape and its area of influence in terms of losses. A significant improvement in predicting vortex losses is observed, especially for turbine blades with leakage vortices.

Introduction of Axisymmetric Grooves as a Tip Seal Treatment for Small-Core Turbines

Abstract The aerodynamic penalties associated with the tip gap flow in axial turbines remains a challenging problem for turbine manufacturers. As modern gas turbines with small-core architectures are brought online, the influence of the tip gap continues to grow. While technologies to reduce tip losses have been implemented into the blades, little attention has been paid to the casing around the rotor. In this study, an introduction of axisymmetric groove enhancements for the casing are examined computationally. These studies use the National Experimental Turbine (NExT) geometry, an engine-representative high-pressure turbine blade. Steady, RANS simulations are used to assess the basic characteristics of grooves, such as depth, location, and arrangement. The objective of this introductory study was to determine the feasibility of impacting the tip leakage vortex formation and the associated losses in rotor efficiency. Furthermore, analyses were done with different tip gap heights along with both flat- and squealer-tipped blades. Tip seals with a single groove are demonstrated to improve rotor aerodynamic efficiency relative to ungrooved seals by 0.4 points when applied to flat-tipped rotor blades and 0.15 points with squealer tips. Arrays of grooves show improvements for flat-tipped blade performance by 0.76 points, while having little additional aerodynamic effect on squealer tip over single-groove designs. Finally, grooved tip seals appear to exert greater influence on turbine aerodynamic performance at larger tip gaps, indicating that grooved tip seals alter the sensitivity of rotor performance to the tip clearance gap.

Numerical study on flow and heat transfer of combustion chamber and turbine under thermal shock test

In order to more accurately analyze the influence of the interaction between the aero-engine combustion chamber and the turbine, this paper establishes a combustion chamber-turbine cross-component model based on a high-pressure first-stage guide vane thermal shock test device for numerical research. The SST k-ω turbulence model, non-premixed combustion model and P1 radiation model are selected, and the test conditions are used as boundary conditions to carry out fluid-solid coupling unsteady calculation in ANSYS FLUENT. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The complex flow field information between the combustion chamber and the turbine is obtained by analyzing the numerical results. It is found that there is an interaction between the combustion chamber and the turbine. The results show that the hot spot at the outlet of the combustion chamber will cause a stronger thermal shock to the downstream of the high-pressure first-stage guide vane during the migration process. The influence of the high-pressure first-stage guide vane on its upstream can be traced back to the position 0.3 times the chord length from the outlet of the combustion chamber.

Mathematical modeling for the efficiency function of the Retiro small hydroelectric power plant turbine-generator set

ABSTRACT Many authors use an efficiency constant for the turbine-generator set to calculate energy generation in hydroelectric projects. This often does not reflect reality because the efficiency of this system is relative and is related to the potential of the net head height and the flow of turbine discharge. The present work aims to perform a mathematical modeling for an analysis of the efficiency of the Turbine-Generator Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) Retiro. To perform this analysis, a model based on a second-degree polynomial function was employed. A multivariate regression technique was applied by the Least Square Method (LSM) to obtain the coefficients of the function. To verify the behavior of the measured and adjusted data, the Determination Coefficient (R2) of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) algorithm was applied. The RMSE Mean of 0.022 and the RMSE Std of 0.029 suggest that the second-degree polynomial function is more consistent and stable across different training and validation datasets. The R2 value of 0.993 indicates that 99.3% of the variability in the data is explained by the model. The Omnibus, Durbin-Watson, and Jarque-Bera tests were applied to diagnose potential issues related to normality, autocorrelation, and adequacy, thereby validating the accuracy and significance of the model. The Hessian matrix technique was also used to verify the critical points of the function. The critical point corresponding to a water head of 11.47 meters and a turbine flow of 145.1 m3/s presented the highest operational efficiency. This study allows presenting a turbine efficiency function, its Hill Curve and a generator efficiency function with its corresponding Efficiency Curve. For efficiency analysis in several flow, height and power settings. The technique has proved efficient and can be an applicable tool in energy parameter studies for other hydroelectric projects with the same characteristics as SHPP Retiro.

Understanding of the asymmetric twin-stroll radial turbine under steady and pulsating inlet conditions

Utilize asymmetrical twin-scroll turbines (ATSTs) to achieve high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with a single scroll while optimizing the other scroll’s design for engine scavenging optimization. ATST performance prediction relies heavily on understanding the turbine flow mechanism, which always faces the challenge posed by time-dependent non-uniform intake. This paper studied its performance and flow field under steady and unsteady intake conditions for a production ATST. Firstly, the steady performance of the ATST with different asymmetries (ASYs) under different scroll pressure ratios (SPRs) is investigated via the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Results demonstrate that the distribution relationship between SPR and turbine flow parameter (MFP) has a certain symmetry based on SPR = 1. For efficiency, the imbalance of inlet conditions will lead to the reduction of turbine efficiency. Moreover, the ASY has little effect on the turbine’s efficiency under the condition of SPR = 1. Also, the unsteady CFD simulations are conducted under pulsating inlet conditions with different scroll averaged pressure ratios (SAPRs). The results show that the highest efficiency was achieved at an ASY of 0.5 under a SAPR of 1.2 conditions, and the maximum, minimum, and average efficiencies were 1.9%, 1.5%, and 0.9% higher than those at an ASY of 0.83. The turbine’s flow field at the optimal incidence angle point is analyzed. The secondary flow vortex in the volute of an ASY of 0.5 is more robust, and the volute outlet ‘s total pressure loss is more significant. However, a relatively good incidence angle is obtained at the rotor inlet, and the loss in the rotor flow field is more minor. Therefore, the turbine efficiency with an ASY of 0.5 is higher.

Effect of Different Nozzle Arrangements on Combustion Flow Characteristics in a Swirl Coupling Multiple Direct Injection Combustor

ABSTRACT The influence of multiple direct injection nozzle arrangements with hexagonal, rhombus, and circular shapes on the combustion flow in gas turbines was numerically studied, and the combustion flow characteristics of swirl combustion combined with multiple direct injection combustion were analyzed, such as velocity and temperature distribution, vortex structure, NOX (nitrogen oxides) emission, flame stretch rate, etc. The result shows that for these different nozzle arrangements, the difference in velocity and temperature distribution is not obvious, but the difference in vortex structure is large. The hexagonal arrangement can form several counter-rotating vortex pairs (CVP) near the side wall, the rhombus arrangement can form several deflection vortex structures outside the center swirl, and the circular arrangement forms the least vortex structure. Furthermore, the circular arrangement is most effective in reducing the non-uniformity of the outlet temperature, OTDF is 0.00548, and it has a higher flame stretch rate, which means that it has a higher combustion intensity. However, the hexagon arrangement has the higher NOX emission, reaching 3.16 ppm.

Electricity Generation at Gas Distribution Stations from Gas Surplus Pressure Energy

At gas distribution stations (GDSs), the process of throttling (pressure reduction) of natural gas occurs on gas pressure regulators without generating useful energy. If the gas expansion process is created in a turbine, to the shaft where an electric generator is connected, then electricity can be obtained. At the same time, the recycling of secondary energy resources is provided, which is an important component in the efficient use of natural resources. The obtained electric power can be supplied to the external power grid and/or used for the GDS’s own needs. The process of generating electricity at the GDS from gas overpressure energy is an environmentally friendly, energy-saving technology that ensures an uninterrupted, autonomous operation of the GDS in the absence of an external energy supply. The power needs of a GDS with regard to electricity are relatively small (5 ÷ 20 kW). Expansion in throttling devices or turbine flow paths leads to gas cooling with a possible hydrate formation. It is prevented via gas preheating or vortex expansion equipment that keeps the further gas temperature at a necessary level. Turbogenerators can be created on the basis of vortex expansion turbomachines, which have many advantages compared to turbomachines of other types. This article studies how gas pressure (outlet: gas distribution station) and gas preheating (inlet: vortex expansion machine) influence turbogenerator parameters. Nine turbogenerator variants for the power needs of gas distribution stations have been assessed.

Effect of Atmospheric Stability on Meandering and Wake Characteristics in Wind Turbine Fluid Dynamics

This study investigates the impact of atmospheric stability on wind turbine flow dynamics, focusing on wake deflection and meandering. Using the high-fidelity large-eddy simulation coupled with the Actuator Line model, we explore three stability conditions for the Vestas V80 turbine, both with and without yaw. The results indicate that wake meandering occurs predominantly along the deflected wake axis. Despite varying wake deficits and meandering behaviors, neutral and stable conditions exhibit similar wake deflection trajectories during yawed turbine operations. Spectral analysis of meandering reveals comparable cutoff and peak frequencies between neutral and stable cases, with a consistent Strouhal number (St=0.16). The unstable condition shows significant deviations, albeit with associated uncertainties. Overall, increased stability decreases both oscillation amplitude and frequency, highlighting the complex interplay between atmospheric stability and wind turbine wake dynamics.

Effect of hills on wind turbine flow and power efficiency: A large-eddy simulation study

This study investigates the influence of topography on wind turbine flow and power efficiency. Specifically, a standalone wind turbine is positioned at the top of idealized two-dimensional hills, and the effects of hill geometry and turbine position are systematically investigated. Various parameters are studied, including hill slope, distance between the leeward side of the hill and the turbine, turbine hub height, and hill size. Overall, it is observed that the turbine wake is consistently stronger in the hill cases compared to the flat case. This is attributed to two characteristics of hill flows: (1) the negative streamwise velocity gradients on the leeward side of the hills and (2) the reduced turbulence above the hilltops and hill wake regions. In addition, it is observed that the turbine induction factor is consistently increased in the hill cases compared to the flat case, while the turbine power and thrust coefficients are reduced. In practice, this means that turbines on the hills produce less power output than those on flat terrain for an equivalent wind potential, with the potential decrease in power output reaching more than 20% for certain cases. Altogether, the results offer new insights into the effect of topography on turbine power efficiency. In addition, the study identifies clear relationships between the turbine power coefficient, the induction factor, the overall maximum deficit, and the base flow pressure gradient. These relationships could potentially be used to predict the change in power efficiency based on the wake flow or the base flow. Overall, the results show a clear connection between the turbine power efficiency and the turbine wake development.

Operation Scheme analysis of a multipurpose small modular reactor under cogeneration condition based on a once-through steam generator dynamic model

Highly flexible load requirements and cogeneration economy need to challenge the operation of a multipurpose small modular reactor cogeneration plant with once-through steam generators. Therefore, the present study develops a once-through steam generator dynamic model to analyze the multipurpose small modular reactor operation scheme under cogeneration conditions at different power levels. The once-through steam generator dynamic model is derived based on conversation equations using the moving boundary method. It is verified with RELAP5 results and open literature and the maximum relative error is 3.21 %. Three operation schemes are proposed for multipurpose small modular reactor cogeneration operation: Scheme 1 with constant steam pressure and average coolant temperature, Scheme 2 with constant steam temperature and pressure, and Scheme 3 with constant steam temperature and pure sliding steam pressure. Steady-state and dynamic characteristics with three operation schemes are simulated and investigated at three power levels: 100 %, 70 % and 30 %. The steady-state results show that Scheme 1 is more favorable for the primary loop, while Scheme 2 is beneficial to the secondary loop, and Scheme 3 can improve the thermal efficiency at low power level. The transient findings indicate that disturbances from the reactor side have a significant impact on the once-through steam generator and the minimum settling time is 3.3 s. Consequently, steam temperature control of once-through steam generator is achieved by regulating the control rods for Schemes 2 and 3, while steam pressure is suggested to be controlled by the feedwater valve for Scheme 1. For cogeneration conditions at 70 % power level, Scheme 2 can achieve the highest steam flow of turbine, the highest steam flow of steam extraction and the smallest steam specific volume, which are 87.88 kg·s−1, 28.96 kg·s−1, and 0.0503 m3·kg−1, respectively. Scheme 2 is recommended for high power levels under cogeneration operation. In contrast, Scheme 1 is more suitable for the condensing unit operation for low power levels.

Synchronous PIV measurements of a self-powered blood turbine and pump couple for right ventricle support

A blood turbine-pump system (iATVA), resembling a turbocharger was proposed as a mechanical right-heart assist device without external drive power. In this study, the iATVA system is investigated with particular emphasis on the blood turbine flow dynamics. A time-resolved 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) set-up equipped with a beam splitter and two high speed cameras, allowed simultaneous recordings from both the turbine and pump impellers at 7 different phased-locked instances. The iATVA prototype is 3D printed using an optically clear resin following our earlier PIV protocols. Results showed that magnetically coupled impellers operated synchronously. As the turbine flow rate increased from 1.6 to 2.4 LPM, the rotational speed and relative inlet flow angle increase from 630 to 900 rpm, and 38 to 55% respectively. At the trailing edges, backflow region spanned 3/5 of the total passage outlet flow, and an extra leakage flow was observed at the leading edge. For this early turbine design, approximately, 75% of the turbine blade passage was not contributing to the impulse operation mode. The maximum non-wall shear rate was ~ 2288 s−1 near to the inlet exit, which is significantly lower than the commercial blood pumps, encouraging further research and blood experiments of this novel concept. Experimental results will improve the hydrodynamic design of the turbine impeller and volute regions and will be useful in computational fluid dynamics validation studies of similar passive devices.