hydraulic power recovery turbines
hydraulic power recovery turbines
(OP)
How do we conduct performance tests on hydraulic power recovery turbines? Is there a standard or a document for conduction the same. My main concern is how to measure the KW Output. Thanks





RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
It would be preferable to do the test with the unit at maximum charge rate since the efficiency of a recovery turbine drops off drastically it is pinched back to reduced rate. At max charge rate, I would record the amp draw, voltage and speed of the motor driver. I would take the recovery turbine off-line, allowing the clutch to disengage and the control valve to assume control of the flow and pressure drop. I would try to achieve the same total charge rate. Once the process conditions were stabilized, I would again record the amp draw, voltage and speed of the motor. I would perform the appropriate power calculations to determine the motor power under both conditions. The difference between the two power values would represent the power contribution of the hydraulic recovery turbine.
Johnny Pellin
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
Vary the flow from zero to some high value, and calculate the head and horsepower at each flow point.
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
I think your approach is straightforward. A question regarding the horsepower measurement. I am not sure what you mean by " to obtain the motor efficiency (so you can back it out from the total efficiency)and use a wattmeter"...which motor is this?
I am planning on using a dyno for horsepower measurement which should directly give torque and rpm as the output. Is this correct?
Thanks
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
Also, you could have a problem on the electrical side. If the generator is large, you may not be able to hook it up to the utility grid in order to load it. You may have to find some other means to sink the electrical power.
A dyno circumvents the whole problem. If the dyno is calibrated, then you have a solid horsepower measurement that you can take to the bank.
I incorrectly used the word "motor" instead of "generator" because most of my pump test experience centers around pumps, not turbines.
Also, you may want to monitor NPEH (net positive exit head) to make sure that your runner isn't full of water vapor (cavitation).
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
Also, you should make sure that the unit has the capacity for overspeed unless the final installed system has the ability to absolutely protect against it (I doubt that it does). You don't want your power recovery turbine self destructing in front of your eyes because it goes to a no-load condition. Even if you have provisions to stop inlet flows after a trip of some sort, that will take a bit of time.
RE: hydraulic power recovery turbines
If you are testing this turbine in a lab situation on water, the risk of overspeed is very, very low. On low temperature water, I would consider it so low that I would consider performing the test with no overspeed protection. Running on a product with a vapor pressure above atmospheric pressure, the risk would be much higher and definitely need to be mitigated.
Johnny Pellin