Diseño paramétrico de turbinas tipo Francis basado en la reducción de la erosión producida por flujo particulado.

Abstract

The present work shows the parametric design of Francis type turbines to minimize erosion by solid particles. In the first instance, we start with a bibliographic review of hydroelectric generation in Ecuador, the different erosion mechanisms, and numerical models to predict this trend in Francis turbines. The methodology is established to carry out the parametric design with previous studies and recommendations to choose on the design parameters for a specific case study and by means of a Python code the geometry for the different components of the turbine (impeller, pre-guide vanes, directors, and spiral casing). In the same way, the methodology that will be followed to carry out the simulation in Ansys Fluent is established. Showing the process of formation and correction of geometry, meshing, boundary conditions, parameter setting and solution method: kepsilon and DPM erosion analysis. Finally, the results are obtained for the parametric design where, with an analysis of the influence of the hydraulic parameters, the main graphs are obtained through the code, the erosion factor and its influence on the study are shown. On the other hand, for the simulation, the results are shown for an initial case and for the case study, thus having a comparison between the speed field, the erosion that occurs in each of the blades and the efficiency of the turbine is calculated.