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- Pumped Storage
Analysis of the Effects of Pre-whirl on the Efficiency and Operating Range of Hydro Pumps used in Pumped Storage Facilities
Lead Companies
The Pennsylvania State University
Lead Researcher (s)
- Keith Martin
This paper discusses the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to a case study of a hydraulic pump turbine operating in pumping mode. Emphasis is on the effects of induced pre-whirl on flow patterns through the impeller and on pump performance. ANSYS R Fluent, Academic Research, Release 14.0, software is used to model three-dimensional (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with a k − ω SST turbulence model. Full-wheel fixed rotor simulations are used to identify operating parameters that are used in more computationally intensive full-wheel moving mesh simulations.
Technology Application
Pumped Storage
Research Category
Powerhouse Pump
Research Sub-Category
Turbine
Status
complete
Completion Date
2015
- Pumped Storage
Hydraulic Design and Optimization of a Modular Pump-turbine Runner
Lead Companies
Lehigh University
Lead Researcher (s)
- William Schleicher
A novel modular pumped-storage scheme is investigated that uses elevated water storage towers and cement pools as the upper and lower reservoirs. The scheme serves a second purpose as part of the wastewater treatment process, providing multiple benefits besides energy storage. A small pumped-storage scheme has been shown to be a competitive energy storage solution for micro renewable energy grids; however, pumpedstorage schemes have not been implemented on scales smaller than megawatts. Off-theshelf runner designs are not available for modular pumped-storage schemes, so a custom runner design is sought. A preliminary hydraulic design for a pump-turbine runner is examined and optimized for increased pumping hydraulic efficiency using a response surface optimization methodology. The hydraulic pumping efficiency was found to have improved by 1.06% at the best efficiency point, while turbine hydraulic efficiency decreased by 0.70% at the turbine best efficiency point. The round-trip efficiency for the system was estimated to be about 78%, which is comparable to larger pumped-storage schemes currently in operation.
Technology Application
Pumped Storage
Research Category
Powerhouse Pump
Research Sub-Category
Turbine
Status
complete
Completion Date
2015
- Pumped Storage
Pump-Storage Hydropower Design in a Wastewater Treatment Facility with an Aerating Runner, Additive Manufactured Material Analysis, and Testing of Hydrokinetic Turbine Runner.
Lead Companies
Lehigh University
Lead Researcher (s)
- Fred Carter
The feasibility and design of a novel pumped storage system in a wastewater treatment facility is investigated. Analysis covers the added benefit of aeration, costs, and specifications. For the given sub-megawatt system, off-the-shelf runner designs are not available. This research builds on an existing pump-turbine research and design through a combination of introducing aeration into the operating processes, analysis of large format metal additive manufacturing, and testing and validation of a hydrokinetic turbine runner that uses the same response surface optimization methodology as the discussed pump-turbine design. Two concepts are generated and proposed along with a baseline scenario. Two potential site locations are provided with relevant information The Stickney Wastewater Reclamation Plant and The Navy Wastewater Treatment Plant, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu Hawaii. Results show that aeration is the primary benefit of such a system. The system is capable of meeting the required dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in wastewater treatment. The system produces volume averaged DO levels between 1.2 and 1.4 mg/l. The system is shown to be a scalable open-loop system that can be sized for application. Area requirements of the system are acceptable due to the use of a single pedestal elevated tank The implementation timeline and nuances of this system are largely unknown. In attempt to reduce costs, advanced manufacturing methods are investigated. Investigation into advanced methods showed that mechanical properties of additive manufactured metals using a GMAW system produce equal results to wrought materials and have the potential to produce custom wear properties.
Technology Application
Pumped Storage
Research Category
Powerhouse Pump
Research Sub-Category
Water Systems
Status
complete
Completion Date
2018
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Contact Marla Barnes at: marla@hydro.org