3D-viscous flow simulation and performance prediction of a complete model francis turbine

The Navier-Stokes flow analysis has been applied to successfully predicted flow characteristics and energy losses in different hydraulic turbine components. It has been used to design and optimize hydraulic turbine components. In this paper, the three-dimensional viscous flow is simulated through the whole flow passage of the model Francis turbine. The whole flow passage includes spiral case, distributor, runner and draft tube. The simulation is based on Navier-Stokes equations, the standard k-ε turbulence model and the SIMPLEC algorithm, which is applied for the solution of the discrete governing equations. The velocity and pressure distribution through the whole flow passage of the model Francis turbine is attained. The energy property of the model turbine is then predicted and compared with the experimental datum.