Author(s): Kevin Rieger; Julius Maier; Martin Weber; Nicole Saenger

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Small hydro; Zuppinger waterwheel; Gap-losses

Abstract: As a very low-head hydropower with a high efficiency over a wide operating range, the Zuppinger waterwheel is one of the most commonly used sustainable low-head hydropower converter in Europe. This paper presents one physical and two numerical models of Zuppinger waterwheels. The physical model and one of the numerical models depict a Zuppinger waterwheel with a 3 mm gap between the shroud and the blades. In the other model there is no gap. At first the measured values of the physical model are compared with the numerical one. This comparison shows, that there are only small differences. So, the numerical model with gap can be compared with the numerical model without a gap. For the numerical model without a gap, the hydraulic head and the efficiency increase compared to the model with a gap. The torque increases disproportionately. This gives evidence to take a closer look at the torque of a single blade and its course over time. It shows that there is further research potential with regard to the pressures in the fluid and the flow through the Zuppinger water wheel in order to increase the performance and efficiency. }

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p0362-cd

Year: 2023