CFD modeling and simulation of a hydropower system in generating clean electricity from water flow

In this study, electric generation capacity of a hydropower system was evaluated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation. Performance of paddle wheels in producing hydropower out of running water under different speeds was evaluated, and effects of side and bottom fins and paddle wheel shape on power generation were discussed based on the CFD results. It was also found that, compared to the regular straight paddles, the curved paddles can increase the electricity generation capacity of the entire system by 10–20 % at different water speeds. A preliminary economic analysis revealed the great prospects of applying the presented hydropower technology in regions with rich water resource to produce and supply low-cost, clean, and renewable electricity for a large amount of households and industries.