THE EFFECT OF THE ANGLE OF THE WICKET GATE ON TURBINE EFFICIENCY AND STRENGTH IN FRANCIS TYPE TURBINES

Turbines which provide active transformation of the energy in hydroelectric power plants are one of the significant components regarding their design and complex structures. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations for a Francis type turbine whose fundamental parameters like head and power are definite and outlet pipe flow analyses of hydroelectric plants were done. The main purpose of the study is to determine optimum guidance wicket gate angle for obtaining maximum power from turbine. As reaching to maximum power, the effects of equivalent stresses formed in rotor blades on mechanical strength were also examined. Maximum torque, hydraulic and rotor efficiency, and turbine power was obtained from a guidance blade angle of 25 degrees, equivalent pressure was calculated as 6.7 MPa.