Optimization's potentials for oil guide plate of guide bearing in a hydro-generator

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

In this diploma thesis, which was carried out for the company Andritz Hydro GmbH, the optimization potentials with regard to friction losses for a guide plate conveying concept of guide bearings in hydro-generators were investigated. With the help of numerical flow simulations the steady, isothermal and incompressible flow in the gap between the rotating runner and the guide plate in the oil container for hydro-generator Glendoe was calculated, which is a part of a hydroelectric plant located in Scotland. These calculations were performed with the free, open source CFD software package OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation and Manipulation). By variation of geometric parameters, such as the gap width between the rotor and the guide plate, an attempt to maximize the flow rate through the gap while reducing the correlated friction losses was made. With the help of so-called dimensionless numbers (e.g. friction loss coefficient), the influence of certain parameters are presented. The results of these numerical flow calculations were compared with analytical solutions found in the literature for simplified geometries (enclosed rotating discs with different gap widths between the disc and casing). Subsequently, attempts to find a general factor for the key factors have been made, by which it is possible to quickly predict the most important parameters, such as friction losses, flow rate and pressure, for the guide plate conveying concept.

Details

Translated title of the contributionOptimierungspotentiale für die Förderscheibe im Führungslager eines Hydro-Generators
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date17 Dec 2010
Publication statusPublished - 2010