Hydraulic flow passages are designed through the application of a Multi-Objective Design Optimisation Methodology (M-ODOM) developed over the course of 25 years by Swiderski Engineering Inc. The M-ODOM methodology, which includes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modules, has been effectively applied to just under 100 reaction turbine designs which comprise of over 70 Francis turbines and over 25 Kaplan turbines, including Axial Flow double-regulated units, propellers, and mixed-flow turbines. Our turbines’ performances have been repeatedly verified by full efficiency tests in accordance with IEC code. Annual inspections have confirmed their adherence to the appropriate safety margins for cavitation and structural integrity.

Our designs are optimized for a set of parameters –overall hydraulic efficiency, cavitation margins, peak efficiency position, stability, and structural integrity safety margins – whose relative importance is determined through an analysis of the site’s hydraulic conditions and the owner’s economic priorities.

The design optimization process (M-ODOM) is an exclusive proprietary of SEi. It relies on two third-party simulation modules for the verification of hydraulic and structural performance. Hydraulic performances are assessed by CFD using the ANSYS CFX software, while mechanical characteristics are determined with the help of SolidWorks Simulation.

Many years of practical application of both CFD and FEA gives us the highest degree of confidence in our results. The M-ODOM has been developed with the benefit of extensive consultations with experts in hydraulic and structural engineering, hydraulic laboratories, and field-testing.