Analysis of hydraulic pressure transients in the waterways of hydropower stations

Hydropower plants have the ability to go from a full load to no load in just a few seconds. In order to go from full load to no load in a few seconds the flow is controlled by movement of guide vanes. At fault detection the guide vanes closes quickly for safety reasons. This causes hydraulic transients in the waterways, which leads to a pressure rise in the spiral case and a pressure drop in the draft tube. There have been a few accidents related to these quick closures of the guide vanes where the runner blades break and entire power stations are damaged. These incidents are caused by a full column separation in the draft tube. An early sign of a full column separation is large cavities. The main objective of this degree project is to analyse the effects of a quick closure of the guide vanes and to make a guide book of how to find indications of large cavities when performing closure tests. Data taken from commissioning and status tests for several turbines were analysed. In conclusion, the guide book of how to find indications of large cavities will help analyse the results of a quick closure of the guide vanes. Due to the unique appearance of pressure transients for each power station this guide book will not be enough for a complete analyse of a closing test. Although, it will help to notify when there is a need for further analyses by expert personnel