Michel Cervantes

Bio: Michel Cervantes is an academic researcher from Luleå University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fluid mechanics & Draft tube. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 180 publications receiving 2023 citations. Previous affiliations of Michel Cervantes include Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Experimental and Numerical Studies for a High Head Francis Turbine at Several Operating Points

Abstract: Experimental and numerical studies on a high head model Francis turbine were carried out over the entire range of turbine operation. A complete Hill diagram was constructed and pressure-time measurements were performed at several operating conditions over the entire range of power generation by installing pressure sensors in the rotating and stationary domains of the turbine. Unsteady numerical simulations were performed at five operating conditions using two turbulent models, shear stress transport (SST) k-ω and standard k-e and two advection schemes, high resolution and second order upwind. There was a very small difference (0.85%) between the experimental and numerical hydraulic efficiencies at the best efficiency point (BEP); the maximum difference (14%) between the experimental and numerical efficiencies was found at lower discharge turbine operation. Investigation of both the numerical and experimental pressure-time signals showed that the complex interaction between the rotor and stator caused an output torque oscillation over a particular power generation range. The pressure oscillations that developed due to guide vanes and runner blades interaction propagate up to the trailing edge of the blades. Fourier analysis of the signals revealed the presence of a vortex rope in the draft tube during turbine operation away from the BEP.

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of a journal bearing with surface texturing

Abstract: An analysis of a lubricated conformal contact is carried out to study the effect of surface texture on bearing friction and load carrying capacity using computational fluid dynamics The work focus

Fluid-structure interactions in Francis turbines: A perspective review

Abstract: Competitive electricity prices and reduced profit margins have forced hydraulic turbines to operate under critical conditions. The demand for extended operating ranges and the high efficiency of th ...

Transient Pressure Measurements on a High Head Model Francis Turbine During Emergency Shutdown, Total Load Rejection, and Runaway

Abstract: The penetration of intermittent wind and solar power to the grid network above manageable limits disrupts electrical power grids. Consequently, hydraulic turbines synchronized to the grid experience total load rejection and are forced to shut down immediately. The turbine runner accelerates to runaway speeds in a few seconds, inducing high-amplitude, unsteady pressure loading on the blades. This sometimes results in a failure of the turbine components. Moreover, the unsteady pressure loading significantly affects the operating life of the turbine runner. Transient measurements were carried out on a scale model of a Francis turbine prototype (specific speed = 0.27) during an emergency shutdown with a transition into total load rejection. A detailed analysis of variables such as the head, discharge, pressure at different locations including the runner blades, shaft torque, and the guide vane angular movements are performed. The maximum amplitudes of the unsteady pressure fluctuations in the turbine were observed under a runaway condition. The amplitudes were 2.1 and 2.6 times that of the pressure loading at the best efficiency point in the vaneless space and runner, respectively. Such high-amplitude, unsteady pressure pulsations can affect the operating life of the turbine.

Pressure Buildup Mechanism in a Textured Inlet of a Hydrodynamic Contact

Abstract: A flow analysis is carried out for an inclined slider bearing with the aim of showing the governing mechanism at conditions where an optimum in load carrying capacity is achieved. The effects of surface texture on pressure buildup and load carrying capacity are explained for a textured slider bearing geometry. Numerical simulations are performed for laminar, steady, and isothermal flows. The energy transferred to the fluid from the moving wall is converted into pressure in the initial part of the converging contact and into losses in the second part. The convergence ratio can be increased, in order to get the greatest pressure gradient, until the limiting value where flow recirculation begins to occur. The texture appears to achieve its maximum efficiency when its depth is such that the velocity profile is stretched at its maximum extent without incurring incoming recirculating flow. The wall profile shape controlling the velocity profile can be optimized for many hydrodynamic contacts.

Boundary Layer Theory

Abstract: The boundary layer equations for plane, incompressible, and steady flow are $$\matrix{ {u{{\partial u} \over {\partial x}} + v{{\partial u} \over {\partial y}} = - {1 \over \varrho }{{\partial p} \over {\partial x}} + v{{{\partial ^2}u} \over {\partial {y^2}}},} \cr {0 = {{\partial p} \over {\partial y}},} \cr {{{\partial u} \over {\partial x}} + {{\partial v} \over {\partial y}} = 0.} \cr }$$