3D CFD modelling of water and sediment flow in a hydropower reservoir
3D CFD modelling of water and sediment flow in a hydropower reservoir
Abstract
The flow of water and sediments in Garita hydropower reservoir in
Costa Rica was calculated by a 3D CFD model. The model was based
on the finite volume method, solving the Navier-Stokes equations
using the k-e turbulence model. The SIMPLE method was used to calculate
the pressure field. The convection-diffusion equation for sediment
concentration was also solved, using Engelund-Hansen's formula for
sediment transport as a boundary condition for the bed. Field data
of both water velocities and sediment concentrations were collected
to verify the CFD model. There was good agreement between the
calculated and measured water velocities, independent of variation
in calibration parameters. The calculated sediment concentrations
also seemed reasonable compared to the field data.