Increasing the Output of a Hydraulic Turbine via a Venturi Valve

The goal of this research is to explore the possibility of adding additional hydraulic head to hydropower plants using a venturi valve with the bypass flow. A venturi creates a low-pressure region by increasing the velocity. Jet pumps use the venturi principle to pump fluids therefore, research was completed to explore components of jet pumps and how to best maximize efficiency. The research was completed in three steps, research/design, construction, and finally testing. In the first step a literature review was completed and journal articles exploring jet pump efficiency were identified. From the literature review, the information was organized, compared and evaluated to determine an ideal jet pump for the project. A lab experiment using a physical model design was developed. Using the design, the various components of the experiment were constructed. Initial testing showed component parts that required refinement before complete testing could be finished. Unfortunately, time ran out before the modifications to the test setup could be completed and therefore no significant results were collected. However, the research is promising, so additional time in calibrating and testing would be time well spent