16
Blade Profile Optimization of Kaplan Turbine Using CFD Analysis
Authors: Janjua A.B., Khalil M.S., Saeed M.

Number of views: 473
Utilization of hydro-power as renewable energy source is of prime importance in the world now. Hydropower
energy is available in abundant in form of falls, canals rivers, dams etc. It means, there are
various types of sites with different parameters like flow rate, heads, etc. Depending upon the sites,
water turbines are designed and manufactured to avail hydro-power energy. Low head turbines on runof-river
are widely used for the purpose. Low head turbines are classified as reaction turbines. For runof
river, depending upon the variety of site data, low head Kaplan turbines are selected, designed and
manufactured. For any given site requirement, it becomes very essential to design the turbine runner
blades through optimization of the CAD model of blades profile. This paper presents the optimization
technique carried out on a complex geometry of blade profile through static and dynamic computational
analysis. It is used through change of the blade profile geometry at five different angles in the 3D (Three
Dimensional) CAD model. Blade complex geometry and design have been developed by using the
coordinates point system on the blade in PRO-E /CREO software. Five different blade models are
developed for analysis purpose. Based on the flow rate and heads, blade profiles are analyzed using
ANSYS software to check and compare the output results for optimization of the blades for improved
results which show that by changing blade profile angle and its geometry, different blade sizes and
geometry can be optimized using the computational techniques with changes in CAD models.