Mathematical Modeling of STS Series 60 Turbine

Abstract

Some existing hydro-turbines, especially small turbines, have not been extensively evaluated for their performance and possible upgrading. This may be at least partially due to the fact that the traditional means of evaluation, turbine testing, is quite expensive. The c.osts of design and evaluation can now be substantially reduced by taking advantage of the recent development of computational technology. STS Hydropower Ltd. has contracted with the St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory of the University of Minnesota to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the STS Series 60 Francis turbine using the recently developed mathematical modeling program. After completing the simulation based on the geometrical data initially furnished by STS Hydropower, new geometrical data were received and recalculations requested. The new geometry differs from the old one in that the trailing end has been lengthened and the edge sharpened and also a more streamlined leading edge given. Also, calculations of two flow conditions was requested: maximum efficiency condition and maximum output condition. The work has now been completed and the results are described in this report. Some recommendations for future work to improve the efficiency of the turbine are also given.