A Numerical Study of a Pico Hydro Turbine

Pico hydro turbines are suitable for low head applications in power plants since their efficiency is more stable than other turbine types. In some situations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has also been utilized as well experimental studies the performance prediction of water at a pico scale. Also, CFD methods getting much closer to real conditions terms steady-state with moving references and transient domains rotor movements. For this purpose, electricity production related flow PHT was investigated numerically. This study presents six degrees freedom (6-DOF) reference frame (MRF) predict maximum scale two-dimensional by comparing torque angular velocities on runner based output 1 W determined an study. Besides, effect torque, velocity, tip speed ratio, body profile comprehensively. regard, MRF 6-DOF were performed validate compare numerical model results. results obtained from compared It concluded that generating 0.3 under 6.47 rad/s velocity method, however; value corresponds 31.4 against method. 6.1 m/s according simulation result. accepted inlet 0.53 As conclusion, reasonable taking into account. there ratio 2.36 method 0.48 between tangential model.