Shape

Hydropower blade shape

The precise shape of water turbine blades is a function of the supply pressure of water, and the type of impeller selected. . This study examines the impact of blade shape on hydro-abrasive erosion performance in hydropower turbines, aiming to assess whether a Natel FishSafeTM Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) runner blade shows improved wear resistance in addition to providing downstream passage for fish. Tests using adult hatchery-reared rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were performed over two trial periods, one in 2020 and the other in 2022, at the. . Its runner shape was similar to that of a Francis turbine. Francis improved the inward-flow reaction turbine to over 90% efficiency. In the current work, the design of the Francis carbon blades was studied by employing finite element analysis. The blades were designed sub-optimally with various stratification patterns a d different failure and maximum displacement limitations following a. .