MODEL TESTING FOR SHP HYDRO TURBINES

Abstract

The successful implementation of a small hydropower project depends upon the specific equipment having its characteristics duly tested and verified. The turbine is the most basic component of SHP project, as the cost of both the civil structure and electrical equipments depends on turbine selection. Therefore, the characteristic of turbine prototype based on model testing is required to be analyzed to establish a suitable strategy for testing of hydro turbines. Under the present dissertation, an attempt has been made to study the model testing of hydro turbines. The work carried out includes, the study of available codes and standards of model testing of hydro turbine, design and develop a model for a prototype and test the developed model at test rig. Accordingly, a turbine model for a prototype proposed to be installed at Kakroi hydropower site at Western Yamuna Canal in Haryana has been fabricated and tested. The Kakroi hydropower site is having site conditions as, head of 1.9 m, discharge of 7.03 cumecs. A S-type (tubular) propeller turbine having fixed wicket gates (guide vanes) has been found suitable to install at the proposed site. By applying law of similarity a model of a S-type propeller turbine with fixed guide vanes having runner diameter of 300 mm, hub diameter of 105 mm has been designed. The working parameter for the model have been worked out as; head of 0.5 m and discharge of 150 Ips at a speed 320 rpm. The detailed design drawings for model have been prepared and various processes for fabrication have also been discussed.