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Understanding vortex characteristics in hydraulic systems: a temperature-driven analysis

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Abstract

Hydraulic engineers confront challenges posed by free surface vortices at pump and power intakes, influencing turbine efficiency and causing hydraulic losses and blockage. This study investigates the formation and strength of vortices under different conditions, focusing on the influence of water temperature. Numerical simulations using the OpenFOAM package model the flow field towards a vertical intake, employing the Volume Of Fluid (VOF) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approaches to simulate free surface and turbulence. Validated against experimental data across temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 °C, the results reveal a direct correlation between vortex characteristics and temperature. In particular, vortices exhibit mild flow rotations and a slight surface drop (Class C), increased strength with potential debris draw (Class B), or capture and transportation of air bubbles to the intake, posing system risks (Class A). For instance, a 10 °C temperature decrease leads to a 29.5% and 32.2% reduction in vortex strength for conditions analogous to vortex Classes A and C, respectively, compared to normal conditions. Furthermore, increasing temperature transforms vortices into varying characteristics, signifying diverse risks. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between temperature and vortex dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of free surface vortex phenomena and their diverse characteristics. The findings offer crucial considerations for optimizing hydraulic engineering applications and mitigating challenges posed by free surface vortices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Ali Akbar Amini & Ebrahim Jabbari

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

    Hamed Sarkardeh

  3. School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Ali Eidi

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  1. Ali Akbar Amini
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  2. Hamed Sarkardeh
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  3. Ebrahim Jabbari
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  4. Ali Eidi
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Correspondence to Ali Eidi.

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Appendix A: Grid independence analysis

Appendix A: Grid independence analysis

Determining appropriate grid dimensions is crucial for the accuracy of the simulation. Consequently, a sensitivity analysis was conducted with various mean grid sizes, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The filtered velocity field provides valuable insights into residual motions. The effectiveness of integrating this information into a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) study, accurately representing the impacts of residual motions, hinges on factors such as the level of detail in the filtered fields and whether they are characterized in physical space or wave number space. The intrinsic relationship between grid resolution and modeling becomes apparent; if the filtered fields are fully resolved in wave number space, the effects of residual motions are known, obviating the need for additional modeling (Pope 2000). In the current study, the average cell size was reduced to 6 mm from an initial value of approximately 10 mm, resulting in a 37% tangential velocity deviation. This adjustment led to a 6% deviation between the tangential velocity outputs of the numerical model and the corresponding experimental data. Consequently, a balance was achieved between computational cost and study accuracy, allowing for an optimal compromise between the two factors.

Fig. 13
figure 13

The numerical model’s sensitivity to mean grid dimension of the domain

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Amini, A.A., Sarkardeh, H., Jabbari, E. et al. Understanding vortex characteristics in hydraulic systems: a temperature-driven analysis. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-024-01969-6

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