Dynamic response of a pump-turbine runner during turbine's mode starting up

Abstract

With an increase in head and rotational speed, pumped storage units, particularly the runner, experience higher pressure and centrifugal force. In this study, a combination of the 1D method of characteristics (MOC), 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as well as computational structure dynamics (CSD) was employed to examine the dynamic response of a pump turbine runner during turbine's mode starting up. A detailed analysis of the transient characteristics during this process was conducted. Initially, the high-pressure zone concentrated on the pressure surface of the runner's inlet side. However, this zone gradually expanded over time and shifted to the suction surface. The time-frequency of pressure pulsation showed significant low-frequency and second harmonic frequency components. Different monitoring points exhibited different sensitivities to rotational speed and torque. It can be assumed that runner's blade stress is proportional to the square of the rotational speed. The sensitivity of blade stress related to runner speed and torque provides important results and analysis. P2 is the most sensitive to changes in rotational speed, while P1 is the most sensitive to changes in torque. These findings enhance our understanding of the dynamic behavior of the RPT runner and contribute to potential improvements in design and operation.