Investigation on the performance of draft tube through optimization numerical and experimental approach

Abstract

newline Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton are regularly used water turbines in newlinehydropower plants. Among these, Francis turbines are the most preferred for newlinemedium-scale and microscale hydropower plants because they are suitable for newlineoperation in low and medium heads. They are also used in pico-hydropower newlineplants. The Francis turbine consists of a penstock, runner blades, stay ring, newlineguide vanes, spiral casing, and draft tube. Usually, an elbow-type draft tube is newlineutilized. It consists of a diffuser, hose, and elbow. The draft tube is connected newlineat the exit of the runner, where the pressure is less than the atmospheric newlinepressure. The exit velocity and kinetic energy of the water are reduced, and a newlinegain in the useful pressure head is achieved when the water is passed through newlinethe draft tube. Hence, the working head and output power of the turbine are newlineincreased. The performance of the draft tube is mostly impacted by its newlinegeometric parameters. Several researchers have attempted to improve the newlineperformance of the draft tube by altering the geometric parameters. The newlinepressure recovery factor plays a significant role in increasing the proficiency newlineof the draft tube. In this investigation, two studies were conducted to enhance newlinethe performance of the draft tube.