Runner Induced Penstock Vibrations

by Steven C. Onken, Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation, District, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '89

Abstract:

During the start up testing of the Sly Creek Power-house a severe penstock vibration was discovered at wicket gate openings above 65%. Subsequent testing revealed that the penstock vibration was a response to the passing blade frequency of the turbine runner and that if the unit operated for extended periods at the levels of vibration measured the welded steel penstock would fail due to fatigue. The paper focuses on the replacement of the turbine runner with a different passing blade frequency than the response frequency of the penstock. It deals with the temporary solution to allow operation until the runner was replaced, alternative solutions explored, extensive testing to verify J.P. Den Hartog's theory of penstock vibration phenomena and the reduced penstock vibration resulting from the replacement of the turbine runner.

Subject Headings: Conduits | Vibration | Turbines | Hydro power | Rivers and streams | Power plants | Fatigue tests

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