Extending the operating range of axial turbines with the protrusion of radially adjustable flat plates: An experimental investigation

The implementation of hydropower to stabilize electrical grids dictates more frequent off-design operations of these renewable energy resources. Flow instabilities under such conditions reduce the efficiency of hydro turbines. Part-load operation is particularly detrimental since the development of a rotating vortical structure termed rotating vortex rope (RVR) in the draft tube leads to periodic pressure pulsations that jeopardize turbine performance. This paper experimentally explores a novel solution involving the protrusion of flat plates into the turbine draft tube. Three flat plates equally separated by 120° were vertically installed on the draft tube wall. The plates were protruded up to 83% of the draft tube local radius under four different part-load conditions. Their impact was observed through time-resolved pressure measurements in the draft tube and vaneless space, as well as efficiency measurements. The results demonstrated successful RVR mitigation, achieving a maximum 85% reduction in pressure oscillation amplitudes. Protruding flat plates disrupted RVR periodicity and coherence, confining its orbit to the draft tube center. This approach proved particularly effective at lower part-load conditions, enhancing turbine hydraulic efficiency by increasing torque extraction. Reducing the adverse effects under part load, the proposed method appears promising in extending the operational range of hydraulic turbines.