Confinated horizontal vortex generator

Abstract

Since there is no theory for its dimensioning, in this paper, the design, construction and testing of a device that induces inside a horizontal axis vortex is described. The apparatus consists of a semi-convergent nozzle attached to a cylindrical vortex chamber with a side orifice and works horizontally submerged in a water flow with the intake nozzle forward. The coupling of these elements determines an incident tangential flow in the vortex chamber and causes it to develop a horizontal vortex. Thisvortex generator was tested on an experimental open channel without producing stagnation inside, despite being intrusive and with high form drag. The trials showed that the rotational velocity of the vortex increases in decreasing the radius and the axial distance to the drain orifice. Because of its ability to convert the initial translational movement of the flow into rotation, the vortex could be used to generate power. Other applications are not discarded though.