Experimental investigation of a Kaplan draft tube – Part I: Best efficiency point

Hydropower, originally designed as a base electrical power, is now used to balance grid fluctuations that are primarily produced by market deregulation and the introduction of other renewable energy resources. New turbine designs must account for such constraints while also achieving high efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics, now an integrated tool in the hydraulic industry, requires accurate and detailed experimental data for validation purposes.The present work presents the investigation of a modern Kaplan turbine model combined with laser Doppler anemometry and flush-mounted pressure sensors, with a focus on the draft tube at the best turbine efficiency. Mean and phase-resolved quantities are presented for the velocity and pressure at several locations. The results demonstrate the strong influence of the swirl leaving the runner for a well-functioning draft tube as well as the negative impact of the draft tube cone. The blade-hub clearance is also found to have an impact on the flow beneath the runner cone.

► The flow in a hydraulic Kaplan draft tube is investigated experimentally at best efficiency.
► Detailed phase-resolved velocity and pressure measurements are presented.
► Flow development, turbulence quantities and methodology are discussed in details.