Parametric Rotor Innovation for Gravitational Vortex Turbines: Advancing Clean Energy through Integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Simulation and Experimentation to Support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This study aims to optimize the rotor design of gravitational vortex turbines through an integrated approach combining parametric modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental validation. The rotor geometry was formulated using velocity triangle theory and refined using a CFD-based evaluation of flow behavior across multiple turbulence models. To ensure accurate comparisons, experimental tests were conducted under controlled flow conditions, and mechanical losses due to bearing friction were measured and accounted for. The simulation results demonstrated strong agreement with empirical data, validating the effectiveness of the proposed design. By enhancing energy conversion efficiency while minimizing environmental impact, this research supports the development of decentralized, renewable micro-hydropower systems. The findings contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).