Characteristic analysis of the efficiency hill chart of Francis turbine for different water heads

Abstract

According to several model test results of Francis turbines, complete model efficiency hill charts were constructed. The formation and inevitability of diversified hydraulic phenomena on model efficiency hill chart for typical head range were analyzed and the difference is compared, as well as characteristics and commonness toward the curves are discussed and summarized. Furthermore, hydraulic performance and geometric features are presented by particularly analyzing the efficiency hill charts. The inherent characteristics of Francis turbine is expressed by all kinds of curves on the model efficiency hill charts, and these curves can be adjusted and moved in a small range but cannot be removed out. Due to wide range of unit speed in terms of medium-low-head hydraulic turbines, incipient cavitation curve on suction side can be observed and it is positioned close to the operation zone; however, it fails to be visualized for the high-head turbine. The blade channel vortex curves are in the vicinity of optimum region for low-head hydraulic turbines, while high-head shows reverse trend. The interaction between zero incidence angle and zero circulation curve has a significant influence on isoefficiency circles. All comparisons and analyses could provide hydraulic design basis and retrofit references.