Application of Computational Flow Dynamics Analysis for Surge Inception and Propagation for Low Head Hydropower Projects

Application of CFD for Surge in Hydropower Project

Authors

  • M. Mohsin Munir Water Resources Division, National Engineering Services, Pakistan, Pvt, Ltd, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Taimoor Ahmed Water Resources Division, National Engineering Services, Pakistan, Pvt, Ltd, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Javed Munir Water Resources Division, National Engineering Services, Pakistan, Pvt, Ltd, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Usman Rasheed Civil Engineering Department, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Surge, FLOW-3D, numerical model, Taunsa, RANSE

Abstract

Determination of maximum elevation of a flowing fluid due to sudden rejection of load in a hydropower facility is of great interest to hydraulic engineers to ensure safety of the hydraulic structures. Several mathematical models exist that employ one-dimensional modeling for the determination of surge but none of these perfectly simulate real-time circumstances. The paper envisages investigation, inception and propagation of surge for a Low-Head Hydropower project using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis in FLOW-3D software. The fluid dynamic model utilizes Reynolds’ Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANSE) for surge analysis. The CFD model is designed for a case study at Taunsa Hydropower Project in Pakistan which has been run for various scenarios keeping in view the upstream boundary conditions. The prototype results were compared with the results of physical model and proved quite accurate and coherent. It is concluded that CFD Model gives an insight of the phenomenon which are not apparent in physical model and shall be adopted in future for the similar low head projects. Its application will be helpful in limiting delays and cost incurred in the physical model testing.

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Published

2021-06-17

How to Cite

Munir, M. M. ., Ahmed, T. ., Munir, J. ., & Rasheed, U. . (2021). Application of Computational Flow Dynamics Analysis for Surge Inception and Propagation for Low Head Hydropower Projects: Application of CFD for Surge in Hydropower Project. Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: A. Physical and Computational Sciences, 53(2), 177–185. Retrieved from http://ppaspk.org/index.php/PPAS-A/article/view/332

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Articles