Turbine model used for energy conversion in river water streams

Abstract

The water flow potential in rivers represents significant resources for aquiring cheap energy production. Depending on the three essential parameters of water flow rate, stream velocity and level difference, optimal constructive solutions are usually adopted for choosing the turbine type to be used in order to obtain energy in a hydroelectric power plant. A three-dimensional turbine model has been developed describing the real rotor model which has the possibility of being directly mounted on the water course in order to take over a part from the water energy and to obtain rotational motion at the rotor axis. A water flow analysis is performed in the fluid area built around the rotor model and the results obtained are presented as values for the water flow rate, velocity and water pressure registered within the fluid area.