The influence of the S shaped characteristics of high head pump-turbine on the minimum pressure of draft tube

Abstract

Abstract The S shaped characteristics of pump-turbines have an important impact on the minimum pressure of draft tube. The quality of the S shaped characteristics is one of the key indicators to determine the success of model runner development, and this indicator is particularly important for ultra-high head pump-turbines. In order to delve deeper into the inherent relationship between the S-shaped characteristics of the runner and the optimization design and minimum pressure of draft tube, this article first defines a method for fixed-point quantitative analysis of the S shaped characteristic curve. Then, different experimental characteristic curves obtained from multiple optimized designs of the runner are used to calculate the hydraulic transition process. At the same time, the S shaped curve is quantitatively analyzed, and the relationship between the three is explored through continuous analysis. The results show that the bending degree of the equal opening lines in the middle at the S shape characteristics curves has the greatest influence on the minimum pressure at the draft tube inlet. The greater the ratio of unit flow difference to unit speed difference in the S shape characteristics curves of the equal opening line, the greater the runaway unit flow on the same equal opening line, the more favorable it is to increase the minimum pressure at the inlet of the draft tube. The optimal design of blade type and guide vane airfoil can improve the minimum pressure value of draft tube to a certain extent. The conclusions obtained in this paper can be used for reference in the research and development design of high head pump-turbine runner and the optimization calculation of transition.