CFD Flow Analysis of the Influence of Rotor Seals in a Cantilever Microturbine

Abstract

The article describes the results from the research and development of a cantilever microturbine designed for ORC power plants. The main objective of the paper was to compare different types of rotor seals and their effect on the turbine efficiency and rotor forces. The turbine stage and the numerical models used in the CFD system NUMECA FINE/Turbo are briefly described. The results are compared with the values obtained from measurements and previous simulations. The results show a relatively limited influence of the seal design on the turbine efficiency. The results also show the effect of the seal on the rotor axial force.