New methods for safer and more flexible turbines

Welcome to this year’s first lunch webinar with the Swedish Centre for Sustainable Hydropower, SVC. On February 27, Michel Cervantes from Luleå University of Technology will present two ongoing research projects focusing on turbine safety and the future operation of hydropower plants. Petter Østby, Turbine Designer at Aker Solutions, will participate as an industry representative, discussing with Michel Cervantes how the projects’ findings can be implemented more quickly and efficiently.

Determination of Added Properties in Water Turbines

This project aims to develop a new numerical method for determining so-called added parameters in Francis and Kaplan turbines—properties that arise from the interaction between water and the runner and are critical for safe operation.

Currently, rules of thumb developed several decades ago are often used. These are not always suitable for modern or refurbished runners, which are often both lighter and more powerful than previous designs.

The new methodology is intended to provide more reliable and up-to-date values, tailored to today’s turbines. The results will be validated through measurements in Vattenfall’s laboratory.

Development of a Guide Vane System for Draft Tubes to Improve Flexibility and Extend the Service Life of Hydropower Turbines

With more intermittent and renewable energy in the grid, hydropower is increasingly used to balance electricity supply. This means turbines sometimes operate outside their optimal range, which can lead to undesirable pressure pulses, particularly downstream of the runners.

The aim of this project is to develop a geometric modification—that is, a change in the shape or design of certain turbine components—that can reduce pressure pulses. This would make it possible to expand the operational range of the turbines.