Laboratory and Field Experience with Cavitation Monitoring of Hydroturbines

by Patrick March, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, United States,
Keith Jones, Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

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

Abstract:

When control of cavitation erosion can be accomplished by changes in operating conditions, real-time monitoring of cavitation level is a valuable tool. Three types of cavitation monitors were selected for laboratory development and field evaluations on Francis and Kaplan-type hydroturbines. The selected techniques include: an acoustic emissions method which utilizes a high frequency accelerometer and a RMS-to-DC converter chip; a pressure-based method which calculates a dynamic cavitation index from the draft tube pressure and the measured flow rate; and an acoustic emissions method which computes spectral characteristics of the draft tube wall. The paper includes descriptions of laboratory facilities; outlines test equipment, methods, and procedures; and presents results from laboratory and field tests.

Subject Headings: Cavitation | Laboratory tests | Material properties | Acoustics | Field tests | Emissions | Turbines

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