A bionic anti-cavitation leading edge for pump-turbine

Abstract

Cavitation is one of the most important technical indicators for assessing reversible pump-turbines. This article describes an anti-cavitation leading edge based on a bionic shape to reduce cavitation. The shape is based on 6 typical fish-like streamlined profiles analyzed in CFD simulations. The flow fields around the profiles were analyzed for different angles of attack to identify the one with the least flow separation and a flat pressure drop. A bionic runner was then built to give an anti-cavitation leading edge. Three-dimensional CFD simulations show that the anti-cavitation leading edge effectively inhibits local flow separation and reduce the pressure drop. Moreover, cavitation tests show that the bionic runner reduces the cavitation inception coefficients. Thus, this design reduces the number of cavitation bubbles and improves the cavitation performance. These results will improve safety and reduce costs and provide a reference for similar hydraulic machinery experiencing.