Author(s): Berhanu Mulu; Dr. Michel Cervantes
Linked Author(s): Berhanu Mulu
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: This paper describes the experimental investigation of a Kaplan turbine model of the Porjus U9 unit. The study aims to investigate the complex unsteady turbulent three-dimensional flow in different regions of the machine to build a data bank in order to validate numerical simulations and study scale-up efficiency between model and prototype. A two components LDA apparatus was used to measure the velocity profiles at different locations in the turbine in coincidence mode. An encoder pulse was used to resolve the measurements angularly. The investigation was carried out at three different loads: best operating point and two off-design operating points (left and right side of the propeller curve). Vortex breakdown was present at both off-design points at the inlet of the draft tube, in the cone. The axial and tangential mean velocity profiles and corresponding RMS at the draft tube cone are presented for the different loads investigated.
Year: 2009