Modelling and optimisation of a Kaplan turbine — A comprehensive theoretical and CFD study

• Provides a detailed description on design of Kaplan turbine runner wheel. comparison theoretical and CFD designs Presents effects flow velocities blade angle efficiency turbine. could improve the theoretically designed from 60% to 93%. Discusses practical challenges in modelling Undoubtedly, whole world has been forced increase use clean/renewable energy sources particularly due alarming environmental concerns that have caused by fossil fuels based emissions/pollution also with predicted depletion those fuel reserves. Over last few decades, global consumption increased significantly (i.e., 136,761 TWh 2019 which is 45% since 2000) rapid industrialisation many economies intensiveness domestic lifestyle. Hence, switching renewable current key priority restore balance nature. Of reserves, hydropower one major date back 1770s. The turbines highly affected performance their wheel as it serves main unit responsible for extracting flowing water. this research aims investigate optimisation approaches Initially, was carried out defining features gave around 94%. Usually, are numerous simplifying assumptions hence these might provide an approximate solution only. This fact established model implemented exact same achieved only 59.98%. used further analyse modify proposed where inlet/outlet tangential blades, pressure distribution across runner, number blades were evaluated modified extraction capacity runner. results showed original be optimised reach 93.01% carefully performed modifications. Overall, inlet outlet angles presented significant impact turbine's power generation performance. Eventually, comprehensive theoretical, CFD-theoretical CFD-optimised possible recommendations improving