The specific energy efficiency η
ε of a Francis turbine can be predicted by the 3-D numerical analysis of the main flow through the turbine from the spiral case inlet to the draft tube outlet. In order to predict the discharge efficiency η
Q and the power efficiency η
p of the turbine, it is necessary to perform the 3-D numerical analysis of the leakage flow through the clearances around the runner, under the inflow and outflow conditions for the clearances defined by the main flow analysis. Moreover, a lump-sum analysis of the combined leakage-main flows is prerequisite to investigate the interaction between the leakage flow and the main flow in the turbine. The aim of a series of the papers is to clarify the effect of leakage flows along the runner band and crown on the main flow through the medium-high specific speed Francis turbine. This paper focuses on the numerical analysis of leakage flow through the clearance around the runner band to evaluate the discharge and power efficiencies.
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