A Comparative Study on the Cam Relationship for the Optimal Vibration and Efficiency of a Kaplan Turbine

Abstract

Kaplan turbines are generally used in working conditions with a high flow and low head. These are a type of axial-flow hydro turbine that can adjust the opening of the guide vanes and blades simultaneously in order to achieve higher efficiency under a wider range of loads. Different combinations of the opening of the guide vanes and blades (cam relationship) will lead to changes in the efficiency of the turbine unit as well as its vibration characteristics. A bad cam relationship will cause the low efficiency or unstable operation of the turbine. In this study, the relative efficiency and vibration of a large-scale Kaplan turbine with 200 MW output were tested with different guide vane and blade openings. The selection of the cam relationship curve for both optimal efficiency and optimal vibration is discussed. Compared with the cam relationship given by the model test, the prototype cam relationship improves the efficiency and reduces the vibration level. Compared to the optimal efficiency cam relationship, the optimal vibration cam relationship reduces the efficiency of the machine by 1% to 2%, while with the optimal efficiency cam relationship, the vibration of the unit increases significantly. This research provides guidance for the optimization of the regulation of a large adjustable-blade Kaplan turbine unit and improves the overall economic benefits and safety performance of the Kaplan turbine power station.