Two-phase flow numerical simulation of a bend-type ice sluice in the diversion water channel of powerhouse

Ice in diversion channels can cause adverse effects that jeopardize the operational safety of diversion hydropower stations in the cold regions of northwest China. Previous studies have relied on experimental studies and one-dimensional or two-dimensional numerical simulations. In this paper, a three-dimensional Eulerian two-phase flow model is presented. The influence of the liquid–solid interaction, which includes the inter-phase drag force, lift force, virtual mass force, buoyancy force and the volume fraction of ice, was taken into consideration in the model. The simulated results showed that the surface flow and the frazil ice in the bend channel tended toward the concave bank. Additionally, the optimum scheme was obtained by comparing the layout pattern and structure modification. The simulated results were in good agreement with the experimental study done by Blanckaert and Graf (2001), and the intake flow was validated with an empirical value.

► CFD simulation of ice sluice in diversion water channel was made.
► A 3-D Eulerian two-phase flow model simulated the bend-type ice sluice.
► Comprehensive influence among ice removal quantity, and interaction between ice and water were considered.
► Optimum scheme was obtained by comparing layout pattern and structure modification.