Improving Overall Performance of Propeller-Type Hydroturbines with the Use of Variable Rotational Speed

Abstract

Reconstruction of axial hydroturbines by installing propeller-type blade runners with variable rotational speed is examined. The calculation methodology for energy indicators of such turbines according to their Hill chart is presented. The effectiveness of transferring hydroturbines to operation with variable rotational speed is shown, using the example of the Cheboksary HPP. In this case, power generation increased by 16% using the same volume of water passing through the turbines. At the same time, the turbine adjustment range widens in comparison with the traditional propeller-type units operating at constant rotational speed.