Numerical Investigation of Flow and Structural Characteristics of a Large High-Head Prototype Pump–Turbine during Turbine Start-Up

Abstract

Transient processes that occur in pumped storage power plants can cause high-pressure conditions, which in turn can result in vibrations in the pump–turbine structure and even damage to structural components. It is therefore crucial to research the transient process of the large pump–turbine units and the flow-induced vibrations of the structural components. The three-dimensional flow field and structural field models of a high-head prototype pump–turbine were constructed to study its flow characteristics and structural characteristics under the turbine start-up. Calculations and analyses were performed on the pressure variation and the flow-induced stress concentrations of the pump–turbine during start-up in turbine mode. The simulated pressure distributions during the turbine start-up were mapped onto the finite element calculation model of the structures of the pump–turbine to calculate the flow-induced stress concentrations. This study provides a reference to improve the design and operation of high-head prototype pump–turbines based on the findings of the flow and structural characteristics.

Transient Flow-Induced Stress Investigation on a Prototype Reversible Pump–Turbine Runner

“…Researchers have carried out field tests and corresponding computational fluid dynamic (CFD) calculations to achieve a deeper understanding of the RSI and pressure pulsation characteristics [10,[21][22][23][24]. RSIinduced vibrations and the damage of RPT units have also been reported in various countries [12,13,[25][26][27][28][29][30]. Therefore, understanding and controlling RSI is critical for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of high-head PTs.…”