Publication detail

Study of the internal flow field in a pump-as-turbine (PaT): Numerical investigation, overall performance prediction model and velocity vector analysis

ŠTEFAN, D. ROSSI, M. HUDEC, M. RUDOLF, P. NIGRO, A. RENZI, M.

Original Title

Study of the internal flow field in a pump-as-turbine (PaT): Numerical investigation, overall performance prediction model and velocity vector analysis

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

This work presents a detailed analysis of the three-dimensional flows in a Pump-as-Turbine (PaT). The flow field is studied through URANS simulations and a velocity vector analysis. Moreover, a prediction model is used to forecast the performance of the PaT. The results of these methodologies were validated using experimental results. Flow rate and head at Best Efficiency Point (BEP) in turbine mode were 27% and 41% higher than the ones in pump mode, respectively; the mechanical efficiency was 4% lower. To give a fluid flow interpretation of this behaviour, velocity triangles in turbine mode were analytically calculated, as well as numerically evaluated. The analytically identified PaT flow rate at BEP is in agreement with CFD and measurements. Only small differences appear, which might be explained by three reasons: i) the real flow angle is influenced by the finite number of blades and their thickness, ii) the PaT leading edge has a sharp ending since the impeller is designed to operate only in pump mode and iii) tapering of the meridional cross-section from volute to impeller. While close to the BEP the mechanical efficiency is flat, a sensible drop caused by flow detachments and swirling flows was detected at part-load.

Keywords

Pump–as–turbine; Unsteady CFD simulations; Experimental data; Performance prediction model; Velocity triangles

Authors

ŠTEFAN, D.; ROSSI, M.; HUDEC, M.; RUDOLF, P.; NIGRO, A.; RENZI, M.

Released

13. 4. 2020

Publisher

Elsevier

ISBN

0960-1481

Periodical

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Year of study

156

State

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Pages from

158

Pages to

172

Pages count

14

URL

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148120305188?via%3Dihub

BibTex

@article{BUT163459,
  author="David {Štefan} and Mosé {Rossi} and Martin {Hudec} and Pavel {Rudolf} and Alessandra {Nigro} and Massimiliano {Renzi}",
  title="Study of the internal flow field in a pump-as-turbine (PaT): Numerical investigation, overall performance prediction model and velocity vector analysis",
  journal="RENEWABLE ENERGY",
  year="2020",
  volume="156",
  number="0",
  pages="158--172",
  doi="10.1016/j.renene.2020.03.185",
  issn="0960-1481",
  url="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148120305188?via%3Dihub"
}