Model Testing

The 3 circuits in the laboratory all comply with the latest standards for model testing. All measurement parameters have traceable calibration to international standards. The laboratory has references to major hydro power plants worldwide. All model testing and handling of data is made with high accuracy and with absolute confidentiality. The laboratory handles the complete cycle from engineering to complete documentation of all geometry and test data.

Typical Measurements and Observations

• Efficiency, i.e. water-energy payload efficiency
• Volume of discharge
• Capacity/power
• Dynamic parameters i.e. pressure pulsations
• Axial and radial forces on the runner (Static and dynamic)
• Guide-vane torque (Static and dynamic)
• Cavitations and vortex description (video, pictures and sketches)
• Speed profile chart measured with pitot

Multipurpose test stand - Dimensions

• Main pumps: Two thyristor governed, reversible pump turbines operating in four quadrants.
• Max. pressure 1.6 MPa, series operation.
• Max. flow rate 1.5 m3/s, parallel operation.
• Max. power each: 320 kW at 845 rpm.
• Max. rotational speed 1900 rpm, 320 kW.
• Piping: Stainless steel, diameter: Ø 600 mm.
• Flow direction optional by switching bends.
• Remotely controlled valves.
• Water reservoir: 650 m3
• Dynamometer: Thyristor governed DC generator / motor, operating in four quadrants.
• Oil hydrostatic bearings.
• Max. power 320 kW at 800 rpm.
• Max. rotational speed: 1900 rpm.

Process control system: All electrical or oil hydraulic operated units in the test loop are operated with a new Siemens Simatic S7 PLC system. This includes generator, pumps, oil hydraulic units, valves, levers etc., with supervision of speed, position, pressure, level etc.

Data acquisition: The hardware part of the system consists of a new National Instruments data acquisition system (DAQ) with a 24 channel multiplexer routing to a high resolution voltmeter (DMM) for static and quasi-static measurements, a 2 x 8 channel high speed DAQ-system for dynamic measurements and a 8 channel timer / counter. The units are controlled by a PC, with a dedicated software programmed in LabView. This program calculates parameter values, saves data to file (mean, rms, p-p values), show curves and reference curves, FFT and time base plots.

Pelton Vertical shaft test stand - Dimensions

• Main pumps: Two KBS type pumps. Max. pressure 3 MPa,
• Speed control: Frequency converters
• Max. flow rate 0.3 m3/s, parallel operation.
• Max. power each: 500 kW
• Max. rotational speed 3000 rpm
• Piping: Stainless steel, DN350, DN250
• Remotely controlled valves.
• Water reservoir: 650 m3
• Dynamometer: Thyristor governed generator.
• Oil hydrostatic bearings.
• Max. power 220kW.
• Max. rotational speed 1800 rpm
• Process control system: Siemens Simatic S7 PLC
• Data acquisition: National Instrument (NI) PCI-board system with NI Labview software. 40 channels BNC input /16bit resolution / 100kHx max sampling rate.