Design Optimization of High Specific Speed Prototype Francis Turbine by Design of Experiments

Abstract

In general, Francis turbines are known to last for 40 to 50 years of use. However, exchanging an old turbine for a new is expensive because of modernization costs. Therefore, many modernization projects will take place through new runner changes. The Francis turbine in this paper has a high specific speed of about 330m-kW and a runner diameter of about 4.3m. The new runner can be expected to have a more stable flow and improved performance by flow analysis. In this paper, the performance analysis of the runner was performed using the CFD by Design Of Experiments (DOE). The sensitivity of variables was examined using L18 method. Numerical analysis was performed via BladeGen, Turbogrid, ICEM CFD, and CFX, which are commercial CFD codes. The design goal is to enable not only the best efficiency point but also a more stable operation than before even at partial load conditions. Find out how to find the shape of a runner blade by searching for design points that maximize annual power generation according to newly selected operating conditions.