Parametric Optimization of Gravitational Vortex Turbine in the context of Upper Punjab of Pakistan

Huge Commercialization and population expansion is causing energy crisis. Pakistan's energy demand being on the rise, water is the safest and cleanest method of generating electricity. Many sites are available in Punjab having varying flow rate and limited heads can be used for power generations. The turbine is developed for a site having flow rates of 0.005-0.01 m3/sec and available head of 1.5m. A Pico hydro turbine with gravitational vortex has been selected based on the availability of specific speed of 71 according to the site data. The optimized runner, basin and hybrid blades were designed and the results were validated using numerical simulation. At 153⁰ notch angle there is a considerable increase in water velocity and provide better results. On the other hand, it is shown that the runner made of steel is not suitable for flooding and concrete structure with recommended reinforcements must be used. The proposed design for the flooding condition of 0.2 m3/s flow rate the wall thickness and base thickness should be 150mm and a transverse reinforcement of 0.27 mm2/mm. Localized reinforcements can also be utilized as the curved path is at highest risk.