Water and Energy Abstracts
Year : 2004, Volume : 14, Issue : 1
First page : ( 13) Last page : ( 13)
Print ISSN : 0021-1672.

24. Development of New Composite Material solutions for Pelton Wheels

Roman J.M., Vuillerod G., Francois M.

(Proceedings, Hydro 2003, Vol. I, Croatia, pp. 119–127).

Abstract

The use of composite materials for runners has already been a challenge for the hydro industry. Among many advantages: the low density of the composite structure drastically reduces inertia loads; its high structural strength allows to lower the thickness of walls which can lead to better performance and its fatigue behaviour is excellent. But the difficulty is to protect composite structure fibres from flow aggression (humidity, impacts, silt erosion and eventual cavitation). Alstom Power Hydro currently develops solutions for Pelton buckets using composite material with specific coating and reinforcements. A soft polymeric coating is then applied by mould injection on the inner surface of the bowls. We have studied, achieved and tested a complex highly loaded part made from composite epoxy carbon material to obtain many advantages: drastically lower mass and intrinsic good fatigue behaviour along with lower wall thickness which can lead to better performance. We have also studied, developed and achieved many coatings and have chosen the best to ensure part protection against erosion. An industrial experimentation is currently in process.

Top

Keywords

Composite materials, Runners, Hydro industry, Inertia loads, Structural strength, Fatigue behaviour, Fibres, Flow aggression.

Top