Numerical simulations of the hydraulic characteristics of side inlet/outlets

The hydraulic characteristics at the side inlet/outlet of pumped storage plants is studied by numerical simulations, covering the flow distribution, head loss, vortex, and others. Based on the physical model test, the realizable k − ɛ turbulence model is used in the 3-D simulation of the side inlet/outlet. A new scheme is suggested to obtain the uneven flow distribution over three branch orifices. The variation of the free surface with the reservoir water level under the pumped condition is simulated, with results consistent with the experimental results.