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Experimental Study of the Effect of Splitter Blades on the Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbines

Author

Listed:
  • Yun Jia

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Xianzhu Wei

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Qianyun Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Hydro-Power Equipment, Harbin Institute of Large Electrical Machinery, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Jinsheng Cui

    (State Key Laboratory of Hydro-Power Equipment, Harbin Institute of Large Electrical Machinery, Harbin 150040, China)

  • Fengchen Li

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China)

Abstract

With the improvement in energy structures, the safe and stable operation of hydropower units is becoming the most important issue for electric grids. To expand the stable operating range of a 200 m head Francis turbine, splitter blades were designed to increase the cavitation ability and lower the high-amplitude pressure fluctuations. Experimental studies were carried out to analyze the effect of the splitter blades on the turbine performance characteristics (efficiency, cavitation, and pressure fluctuation), and the results obtained were compared with those for normal blades. The results reveal that the splitter blades can increase the efficiency by approximately 2%, and they can reduce the pressure fluctuation in the vaneless space, under high-head operating conditions. The flow observation results reveal that the splitter blades can restrain the cavitation at the suction side of the blades, and thereby expand the stable operating range. Analyses of the pressure fluctuation show that the splitter blades can change the blade passing frequency and sharply lower its amplitude. This study may provide a reference for all Francis turbine designs, which makes it significant for the stable and effective operation of hydropower units.

Suggested Citation

  • Yun Jia & Xianzhu Wei & Qianyun Wang & Jinsheng Cui & Fengchen Li, 2019. "Experimental Study of the Effect of Splitter Blades on the Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:9:p:1676-:d:227895
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li, Deyou & Wang, Hongjie & Qin, Yonglin & Li, Zhenggui & Wei, Xianzhu & Qin, Daqing, 2018. "Mechanism of high amplitude low frequency fluctuations in a pump-turbine in pump mode," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 668-680.
    2. Deyou Li & Yuekun Sun & Zhigang Zuo & Shuhong Liu & Hongjie Wang & Zhenggui Li, 2018. "Analysis of Pressure Fluctuations in a Prototype Pump-Turbine with Different Numbers of Runner Blades in Turbine Mode," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, June.
    3. David Valentín & Alexandre Presas & Eduard Egusquiza & Carme Valero & Mònica Egusquiza & Matias Bossio, 2017. "Power Swing Generated in Francis Turbines by Part Load and Overload Instabilities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Zhe Ma & Baoshan Zhu & Cong Rao & Yonghong Shangguan, 2019. "Comprehensive Hydraulic Improvement and Parametric Analysis of a Francis Turbine Runner," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-20, January.
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    3. Muhirwa, Alexis & Cai, Wei-Hua & Su, Wen-Tao & Liu, Quanzhong & Binama, Maxime & Li, Biao & Wu, Jian, 2020. "A review on remedial attempts to counteract the power generation compromise from draft tubes of hydropower plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 743-764.

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