CFD Simulation of a Hydrokinetic Turbine in Irrigation Channels

Abstract

This work presents the evaluation of a hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) through three-dimensional, unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study focuses on analyzing the turbine’s performance under representative condition of irrigation channels, considering the influence of the lateral and bottom walls, as well as the upper free surface of the channel. An Eddy Viscosity turbulence model is employed to simulate the flow behavior around a three-blade runner, previously designed using Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory for an inlet velocity of 1.5m/s and a rotor diameter of 1 m. The impact of confinement caused by the channel boundaries is analyzed by comparing the HKT’s performance in confined versus unconfined flow conditions. Variations in efficiency and wake flow behavior downstream of the turbine are reported. This study represents a preliminary stage in the development of an HKT prototype and aims to establish design criteria applicable to real-world contexts with existing hydraulic infrastructure.