Every single turbine is custom-designed specifically to meet the requirements of a hydroelectric power plant. Performance of a designed turbine is validated, to some extent, by computational fluid dynamics simulations; however, experimental testing according to International Electrotechnical Commission standards is necessary to ensure performance and reliability. Model tests are performed on similar, small-scale models at test facilities that are specifically designed for this purpose. This article features one such facility, which is capable of testing the performance and cavitation of Francis-type turbines. Test procedures, measured parameters, measuring instruments, and calibration techniques are explained in detail.

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Hydroenergy is one of the most useful renewable energy sources. Hydropower is a vital source as it is clean, sustainable and cost effective. Francis type hydroturbines are applicable to a wide range of head and flow rate values. Spiral case, stay vane, guide vane, runner and draft tube are the basic components of a Francis turbine. In this paper, CFD based 3D numerical simulations of steady turbulent flow in a Francis turbine for an actual power plant, BUSKI HES in Turkey, is presented.

Every turbine for every hydroelectric power plant is unique; therefore its model has to be designed using state of the art design techniques and tested before the actual prototype which is costly, is manufactured. In this study, the details of the design and construction of a hydroturbine test facility at TOBB University of Economics and Technology are explained. The facility will be used to test hydroturbine models up 2MWs of power simulating turbine prototypes. The performance and cavitation tests of the turbines will be performed utilizing this facility according to International Electrical Commission (IEC) standards. The test facility is 19 meters long with a base area of around 600 meter squares. The hydraulic analysis of the designed set-up is performed using a system where valves, pipes, structures, water records and connections form an intelligent system, same with the experimental facility. According to the results, system performance is checked, alternative designs are evaluated and operating strategies are defined by minimizing the losses.