Experimental Study and 3D Optimization of Small-Scale Solar-Powered Radial Turbine Using 3D Printing Technology

Small-Scale Turbines (SSTs) are among the most important energy-extraction-enabling technologies in domestic power production systems. However, owing to centrifugal forces, the high rotating speed of SSTs causes excessive strains in the aerofoil portions of the turbine blades. In this paper, a structural performance analysis is provided by combining Finite Element Methods (FEM) with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The primary objective was to examine the mechanical stresses of a Small-Scale Radial Turbine (SSRT) constructed utilizing 3D printing technology and a novel plastic material, RGD 525, to construct a SSRT model experimentally. After introducing a suitable turbine aerodynamics model, the turbine assembly and related loads were translated to a structural model. Subsequently, a structural analysis was conducted under various loading situations to determine the influence of different rotational speed values and blade shapes on the stress distribution and displacement. Maximum von Mises and maximum main stresses are significantly affected by both the rotor rotational speed and the working fluid input temperature, according to the findings of this research. The maximum permitted deformation, on the other hand, was more influenced by rotational speed, while the maximum allowable fatigue life was more influenced by rotating speed and fluid intake temperature. Also, the region of the tip shroud in the rotor had greater deflection values of 21% of the blade tip width.