Numerical analysis of a new cross-flow type hydraulic turbine for high head and low flow rate

Cross-flow turbines have recently been proposed for energy recovery in aqueducts when the outlet pressure is greater than zero, owing to their constructive simplicity and good efficiency within a large range of flow rates head drops. In case high drop (higher 150 m) relatively small discharge (lower 0.2 m3/s), traditional design these leads very widths nozzle runner; as consequence, friction losses grow dramatically drops down low values. Standard Pelton require zero cannot be used alternatives. A new counter-pressure hydraulic turbine rate, called High Power Recovery System (H-PRS) proposed. H-PRS presents different geometry reduce inside runner by widening two external walls. Several curved baffles are guide fluid particles guarantee right velocity direction at inlet surface runner. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 3D transient analyses carried out measure operating conditions compute its characteristic curve positions regulating flap.