Session: 8.4 - Turbomachinery

Paper Number: 158724

158724 - Fourneyron Turbine: A Forgotten Gem? A Performance Analysis Using CFD 

Abstract: 

The radial reaction turbine, invented by Benoît Fourneyron in the 19th century, marked a pivotal moment in the history of engineering and hydroelectric power generation. This device not only propelled the development of renewable energy through the harnessing of water resources but also laid the foundation for modern turbine design. Its innovative approach to converting the kinetic and potential energy of water revolutionized electricity generation techniques, enabling production on unprecedented scales. The implications of its development extended beyond the technical realm, leading to the industrialization of many regions and advancing the fields of mechanical and fluid engineering. As the demand for energy has grown, the study and optimization of classic designs like Fourneyron’s have become increasingly relevant. This work presents a comprehensive numerical study of this classic turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) through ANSYS software. The primary objective is to reevaluate and deeply understand Fourneyron’s original design, assessing its potential in ANSYS. Through CFD simulation, internal flows, energy losses, and overall turbine performance will be analyzed in detail. The obtained results will be compared with historical data and existing theoretical models, allowing for a critical evaluation of the original design’s limitations and strengths. In summary, this work aims not only to rescue a fundamental piece of engineering history from oblivion but also to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of hydraulic energy, offering new perspectives for possible turbine design and optimization.  

Presenting Author: Miguel Suarez Universidad Metropolitana de Caracas

Presenting Author Biography: Miguel Suarez, born in Valencia, Venezuela on July 17, 2003, is a young man with a promising future. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the Metropolitan University of Caracas, coursing his 9th trimester. As a researcher, Miguel is applying Computational Fluid Dynamics to his studies. Recently, he has joined the university's rugby team, where he can be found honing his skills on the pitch.