Turbulence Simulation and Experimental Study on New 3D Wicket Gate of Francis Turbine

In this investigation, two new 3D wicket gates are designed for improving Francis turbine’s stability under high water head and low discharge condition. Numerical simulation and experiment are applied for studying influence of wicket gate type. The model Francis-turbine with 3D wicket gate is computed on three dimensional turbulence method. Base on standard k -e turbulence model and SIMPLEC algorithm, the whole water-passage from inlet of case to outlet of draft is computed together, then distribution of velocity and pressure can be obtained. Based on experiment and computation result, comparison of performance and vorticity character between different wicket gates is made.Copyright © 2005 by ASME