Water and Energy Abstracts
Year : 2004, Volume : 14, Issue : 1
First page : ( 27) Last page : ( 27)
Print ISSN : 0021-1672.

63. Refinement in Francis Turbine Design

Mazzouji F., Francois M., Tomas L., Paquet F., Couston M., Vuillerod G.

(Proceedings, Hydro 2003, Vol. I, Croatia, pp. 291–298).

Abstract

Designing a Francis runner is still a complex task for many reasons: the efficiency level must be high at best efficiency point and should allow a wide range of operation; besides, cavitation should be avoided in all the operating range and considerations linked with pressure fluctuations should not be neglected. Furthermore today's market requires Francis turbines to be as compact and reliable as possible. In other words, Francis turbines must have high level of hydraulic and mechanical performances and reliability. This is why designing such a turbine turns out to be an interactive process where all the steps are interdependent and this is also why finding the most appropriate shape for all the components is a long process even for experienced designers. This paper describes the methodology adopted by ALSTOM POWER for Francis turbines design. Some of the key design steps are presented and comparisons with model and prototype tests measurements are done. We believe that, when all aspects of this approach are considered during the development phase, and all these methods are applied by experienced teams, each new or refurbishment project achieves the client satisfaction with high levels of performance and reliability.

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Keywords

Francis runner, Efficiency level, Cavitation, Pressure fluctuations, Interdependent.

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