Flow Modeling in the Wake of a Francis Turbine with Hydraulic Charge: Case of Songloulou-Cameroon

Abstract

Cavitation in hydraulic installations is still a major concern when it comes to producing electricity. We are aware of the danger of cavitation and the damage it can cause. We have carried out a study of the behavior of the Francis de song lou lou turbines in operation, their areas of application and their various modes of degradation. The first step was to identify the nature of cavitation during operation. We used the three-dimensional Naviers Stokes equations. The pressure and velocity fields obtained are examined to observe the various fluctuations that disrupt the correct operation of the turbine, and consequently reduce production efficiency. The characteristics of the turbine at the Song Loulou hydroelectric power station in Cameroon were used. The results obtained, compared with those in the literature, are satisfactory. This modelling is an effective tool for detecting the presence of cavitation in the Francis turbine

Keywords

• instabilities
• blades
• francis turbine
• numerical modeling
• hydraulic charge