Cavitation Noise Investigation of a Pump-Turbine

by Philip A. Abbot, Ocean Acoustical Services and, Instrumentation Systems Inc, Lexington, United States,
James Walsh, Ocean Acoustical Services and, Instrumentation Systems Inc, Lexington, United States,
Richard Halas, Ocean Acoustical Services and, Instrumentation Systems Inc, Lexington, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '91: A New View of Hydro Resources

Abstract:

The results from cavitation noise detection measurements on a 35 MW pump-turbine are presented. Detailed information about the cavitation noise is determined including three-dimensional cavitation maps which identify the full range of cavitation noise for generating and pumping. It is shown that the method identifies operating regimes of minimum and maximum cavitation noise severity, as well as the conditions where cavitation noise inception occurs. Further, it is suggested that the measured noise levels are proportional to the cavitation erosion rate characteristics of the unit and that it may be possible to determine cavitation erosion weight loss which occurs by operating the unit at each head and wicket gate condition.

Subject Headings: Cavitation | Pumps | Erosion | Turbines | Material properties | Mapping | Acoustics

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