Field Efficiency Tests of a Large Pump-Turbine

by James B. Nystrom, Alden Research Lab, Inc, United States,
Richard S. Siola, Alden Research Lab, Inc, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '89

Abstract:

The New York Power Authority's Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Project began commercial operation in 1973. In 1987, the Authority initiated a study of the existing pump/turbines to investigate improvements in efficiency and performance by replacing or modifying the pump/turbine waterwheels and other water passage components such as wicket gates, stay vanes, and seal clearances. The study included developing and field verifying an analytical performance model of the existing components. Field absolute efficiency tests were required to verify the accuracy of the analytical model of the existing operation. Flow measurement methods were the pressure-time method in the turbine mode and the tracer dilution method in the pump mode. This paper describes the field tests undertaken in support of the analytical study to determine performance of the existing equipment and outlines the conclusions reached using this test information.

Subject Headings: Field tests | Hydro power | Pumps | Pumping tests | Energy storage | Power plants | Verification | New York | United States

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