NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF WATER DISTRIBUTION

Abstract

In this study, numerical investigation of water distribution has been studied with reference to the hydropower development. Hydroelectricity is a form of hydropower, and is the most widely used form of renewable energy. It produces no waste, and does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2). Hydroelectric power generates from the potential energy of water driving a water turbine and generator in hydropower station. The amount of energy extracted from the water depends on the volume and the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow. This height difference is called the gross head. The amount of potential energy in water is proportional to the head. Water directed to a hydraulic turbine may be conveyed through a tunnel, shaft or large pipe called a penstock. The penstock delivers water to the hydraulic turbines in power house. One of the important things in Hydropower Plant is distribution of water from the penstock to different turbines in the power house to develop energy through the generator, by using bifurcations, trifurcation or manifolds. In this study, the distribution of water from the penstock through bifurcations has been analyzed to find the effective distribution system using CFD (Computational Fluids Dynamics). Two cases of main penstock with diameter 2 m and 4 m have been analyzed for different angles of symmetrical bifurcation. The branch diameters have been selected for design criteria of same head loss in the main and branch penstocks. The results of the analysis show that for a penstock of 2 m diameter with velocity of 3.82 m/s, the head loss coefficient is minimal when the angle between the symmetrical branches is 300, and it rises sharply with increase of angle. In case of main penstock with diameter as 4 m with velocity of 5.41 m/s, the head loss coefficient is minimal when the angle between the symmetrical branches is 600, and it rises sharply with increase of angle.