Performance prediction and flow analysis in the vaned distributor of a pump turbine under low flow rate in pump mode

The main goal of this work is to investigate the possible different flow patterns existing in pump turbine under off-design conditions in pump mode. Numerical simulations by solving the Navier-Stokes equation, coupled with the "SST k-omega" turbulence model, were carried out. Flow characteristics were assumed to be stalled in the appropriate region of flow rate levels of Q/Q (D)=0.15-0.61. The simulation result was compared with experimental data and they showed good agreement. Consequently, velocity fields in three axial locations in stay vanes and guide vanes were analysed in details. It was shown that "jet-wake" flow pattern exists near the band, which changes little in the whole shape with flow rate increasing; to the middle location of vanes, reverse flow begins to appear on the interface between the runner and guide vanes, which will disappear gradually as the flow rate increases; massive reverse flow is captured near the crown, whose intensity will be weakened as the flow rate increases. Ultimately, it was found that the special head-flow profile can be ascribed to the special hydraulic loss characteristics of the stay vanes and guide vanes.