Transfer of transient conditions from prototype to closed-loop model test rig

Abstract

This paper describes a method for determining the sequence of transient model test experiments in a closed loop test-rig, using previous 1D-simulations. A real power plant with reversible pump turbine in the Austrian Alps serves as baseline. A fast transition with load rejection and guide vane closing has been simulated, as it is state of the art. Furthermore, it was assumed that this power plant also has a full size frequency converter for fast transition from pump mode to turbine mode and vice versa applying linear speed variation. These simulation results were transferred to the scaled model size via similarity laws. Of particular importance is the choice of model to prototype speed ratio whose influence has been studied more closely. Subsequently, the transient processes are simulated in a closed loop test-rig. The simulations are controlled by a temporal power variation of the service pump. An iteration loop with optimizer has adapted the power in order to achieve similar conditions as in the prototype simulation. The findings of the pump behavior can then be used for the transient model test experiments.