Parametric optimisation of two Pelton turbine runner designs using CFD

This paper aims to develop a generic optimisation method for Pelton turbine runners using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two different initial runners are optimised to achieve more generic results. A simple bucket geometry based on existing bibliography is parameterised and initially optimised using fast Lagrangian solver (FLS). It is then further optimised with a more accurate method using ANSYS Fluent. The second geometry is a current commercial geometry with good initial performance and is optimised using ANSYS CFX. The analytical results provided by CFX and Fluent simulations are used to analyse the characteristics of the flow for different runner geometries.