Vortex energy behaviors in the forebay of lateral pumping station for Y-type channel

Abstract

Vortices always happen in the forebay and sump of a lateral pumping station, reducing its efficiency and wasting extra electric power. This study utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology and a model test method to investigate the distribution of vortices in the forebay of a lateral pumping station of Y-shaped channel. Since the vortex is always accompanied by energy dissipation, the entropy production theory is also introduced to analyze the energy behaviors of the anti-vortex bottom sill. The research results indicate that the model test results verify the accuracy of the CFD. The bottom sill can effectively improve the flow pattern and reduce the rolling vortex behind the sill in the forebay, enhance the axial velocity uniformity at the inlet section of the sump, and reduce energy loss. The high entropy production zone is mainly distributed in the vortex core and the top of the sill. Therefore, the vortex and shock are the main causes of energy loss. The square bottom sill causes more severe energy loss compared to the trapezoidal bottom sill. The research results can provide references for setting up hydraulic optimization measures for similar lateral pumping stations.