This paper presents the results of the numerical simulations carried out to evaluate the performance of a high solidity Wells turbine designed for an oscillating water column wave energy conversion device. The Wells turbine has several favorable features (e.g., simplicity and high rotational speed) but is characterized by a relatively narrow operating range with high efficiency. The aim of this work is to investigate the flow-field through the turbine blades in order to offer a description of the complex flow mechanism that originates separation and, consequently, low efficiency at high flow-rates. Simulations have been performed by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations together with three turbulence models, namely, the Spalart–Allmaras, , and Reynolds-stress models. The capability of the three models to provide an accurate prediction of the complex flow through the Wells turbine has been assessed in two ways: the comparison of the computed results with the available experimental data and the analysis of the flow by means of the anisotropy invariant maps. Then, a detailed description of the flow at different flow-rates is provided, focusing on the interaction of the tip-leakage flow with the main stream and enlightening its role on the turbine performance.
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: m.torresi@poliba.it
e-mail: camporeale@poliba.it
e-mail: pascazio@poliba.it
Article navigation
July 2009
Research Papers
Detailed CFD Analysis of the Steady Flow in a Wells Turbine Under Incipient and Deep Stall Conditions
M. Torresi,
M. Torresi
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale,
e-mail: m.torresi@poliba.it
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
S. M. Camporeale,
S. M. Camporeale
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale,
e-mail: camporeale@poliba.it
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
G. Pascazio
G. Pascazio
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale, Centro di Eccellenza in Meccanica Computazionale,
e-mail: pascazio@poliba.it
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italy
Search for other works by this author on:
M. Torresi
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale,
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italye-mail: m.torresi@poliba.it
S. M. Camporeale
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale,
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italye-mail: camporeale@poliba.it
G. Pascazio
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Gestionale, Centro di Eccellenza in Meccanica Computazionale,
Politecnico di Bari
, via Re David, 200, 70125 Bari, Italye-mail: pascazio@poliba.it
J. Fluids Eng. Jul 2009, 131(7): 071103 (17 pages)
Published Online: June 25, 2009
Article history
Received:
March 14, 2008
Revised:
May 6, 2009
Published:
June 25, 2009
Citation
Torresi, M., Camporeale, S. M., and Pascazio, G. (June 25, 2009). "Detailed CFD Analysis of the Steady Flow in a Wells Turbine Under Incipient and Deep Stall Conditions." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. July 2009; 131(7): 071103. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3155921
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Switching Events of Wakes Shed From Two Short Flapping Side-by-Side Cylinders
J. Fluids Eng (May 2025)
Related Articles
Inverse Design of and Experimental Measurements in a Double-Passage Transonic Turbine Cascade Model
J. Turbomach (July,2005)
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Transitional Flows in Low-Pressure Turbines Under a Wide Range of Operating Conditions
J. Turbomach (July,2007)
Comparison of Semi-Empirical Correlations and a Navier-Stokes Method for the Overall Performance Assessment of Turbine Cascades
J. Fluids Eng (March,2003)
A Study of Advanced High-Loaded Transonic Turbine Airfoils
J. Turbomach (October,2006)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Control and Operational Performance
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
CFD Simulations of a Mixed-flow Pump Using Various Turbulence Models
Mixed-flow Pumps: Modeling, Simulation, and Measurements
Introduction
Turbine Aerodynamics: Axial-Flow and Radial-Flow Turbine Design and Analysis