Desenvolvimento de roteiro de cálculos para dimensionamento e projeto de turbina do tipo Kaplan

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a calculation script for the design and sizing of a Kaplan turbine. The Kaplan turbine, widely used in hydroelectric power plants, is particularly effective in situations where there is a high water flow and a low head, conditions often found in Brazilian waterways. The study is justified by the relevance of hydroelectric power plants in Brazil's energy matrix, responsible for a large portion of the country's energy generation. In addition to the theoretical development, the paper includes the geometric modeling of the turbine's rotor using CAD software, where similarities in power, rotation, and number of blades were observed, allowing the visualization and analysis of the design in a virtual environment. In the generated model, it was also possible to observe a lack of similarity in some geometric aspects, such as the leading edge of the generated blade. Thus, this work creates a useful tool for engineers working in the field of hydroelectric power generation, making it possible to use this calculation script for an initial project analysis, enabling, for example, the generation of an initial budget. The paper not only reinforces the importance of Kaplan turbines in Brazil's energy matrix but also proposes an initial methodology for their sizing and modeling, with practical applications in real hydroelectric plant projects.