When Science and Engineering Combine
Design and manufacture of a unique geometric tool aids CFD analysis for a new hydro energy concept.
Working on a novel concept can present many challenges, especially when there are numerous unknowns – “to know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know, that is true knowledge”, Copernicus circa 1500 AD.
The novel concept is The Stephenson Turbine (acknowledged by Lancaster University Physics Department as the first new turbine design in over a century) that develops a rotational force when placed in another, novel circular distributor, with multiple jets of water that impulse the turbine.
So, to work out what is the best direction of travel for each of the jets, the Engineering Department at Lancaster have chosen to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, however, with very little data as a full schedule of practical testing of different sizes and styles of assemblies (comprising a TST and Distributor) has yet to be completed.
That is why a geometric tool was designed with three features: 1) A laser that is rotated left or right from a zero centreline up to 45 degrees in either direction; 2) A movable segmented section of the turbine that has fixed blades/winglets; 3) It is reversible, enabling access to two sets of blades at opposite fixed angles.
A built-in switch operates the battery powered laser to give an instantaneous display of the line of sight, simulating the impact point of a jet. In practice, the tool can be operated in two ways: a) Setting the segmented section in a fixed position and moving the laser to track along the exposed face of the nearest blade; B) Setting the laser in a fixed position/angle and rotating the segmented section.
The finished design has been featured on LinkedIn
It was seen by Stephen Byrne, a PhD student, who wrote:
“The thought just hit me regarding the Stephenson Turbine + Laser Diode model when viewing the video again and again.
I am writing a paper on heavy ion beams and the physics somewhat likens [loosely], the diode at optimal angle of the blade [greatest moment; aka… tip] would then straggle along the centre of the following blade face before again reaching the tip; could a blade configuration + angle of incident be designed such only the tip and subsequent blade tips are interacted with – this would surely be the answer to achieving the greatest efficiency and optimal design?”
A presentation boxed tool has been handed over to the engineering team at Lancaster University to aid their work on a compact hydro energy device.