Best Practices for Wet Steam Turbine Simulations 

Overview

Due to the growing global population, economic development, and advancements in technology, the electricity demand is expected to continue rising in the coming years. Steam turbines play a critical role in meeting this demand, as they are the most widely used electricity generators. In 2022, steam turbines alone accounted for 42.5% of the USA's total electricity generation. Furthermore, steam turbines are integral components of various renewable energy systems.  

What Attendees Will Learn

• To maximize energy extraction, steam turbines may operate at conditions where condensation and droplet formation occur. Consequently, accurate modeling of interphase mass transfer and nucleation processes is necessary.
• Ansys Fluids CFD solutions provide various models for steam turbine simulation, including the equilibrium and non-equilibrium steam models in Ansys CFX, as well as the wet steam model in Ansys Fluent. 
• To assist users in applying these models effectively, a best practice case was developed using the Steam Turbine Test Case for Aeromechanics and Condensation (STAC) provided by the University of Stuttgart.
• The STAC case represents the final two stages of a low-pressure steam turbine, where spontaneous condensation occurs. This numerical test case provides an ideal platform to address challenges and highlight key considerations in modeling steam turbines using Ansys Fluids CFD solutions.
• The STAC case is accompanied by shareable geometry, which, along with detailed documentation, will guide adopters in the simulation of steam turbines.

Speaker

• Marc Kainz
• Maira Gauges