Abstract
Experimental tests in prototype are necessary to understand the dynamic behaviour of the machine during different operating points. Hydraulic phenomena as well as its effect on the structure need to be studied in order to avoid instabilities during operation and to extend the life-time of the different components. For this purpose, a complete experimental study of a large Francis turbine prototype has been performed installing several sensors along the machine. Pressure sensors were installed in the penstock, spiral case, runner and draft tube, strain gauges were installed in the runner, vibration sensors were used in the stationary parts and different electrical and operational parameters were also measured. All these signals were acquired simultaneously for different operating points of the turbine.
Highlights
The dynamic behavior of Francis turbines is strongly dependent on their operating point [1]
A group of three people from Voith® participated installing strain gauges and pressure sensors in the runner, as well as a telemetry system to transfer the signals from the rotating to the stationary part
(Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona) installed vibration sensors in the stationary parts and coordinated all the measurements acquiring simultaneously all the sensors installed by the other partners
Summary
The dynamic behavior of Francis turbines is strongly dependent on their operating point [1]. Some dynamic problems that appear in prototypes cannot be studied in models and they need to be addressed on-site. On-site measurements are usually difficult to be performed since the installation of sensors inside the machine needs time, preparation and availability and the economic cost is high. The turbine was selected for study under the European Project Hyperbole [4], where different companies, universities and research centers are involved. This turbine is located in British Columbia, Canada, and it has a rated power of 444 MW. A group of three people from Voith® participated installing strain gauges and pressure sensors in the runner, as well as a telemetry system to transfer the signals from the rotating to the stationary part. A group of three people from EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) calibrated the wicket gate opening angle with the servomotor stroke signal in order to compare results obtained with the model
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