Numerical analysis of the hydraulic transient response in the presence of surge tanks and relief valves

Abstract

Water hammer as a critical consequence of unsteadiness may take place in the penstock of the hydroelectric power plants. Hence, the unsteady flow analysis is important to identify undesirable pressure variations and to take preventive actions toward guaranteeing safe operation of the power plant. Chief among these actions are the installation of a surge tank and relief valve, and the transient flow behavior in the presence of protective devices is investigated herein. The method of characteristics is employed to numerically solve the equations governing the transient flow through channels. Also, in order to better resolve the transient behavior, unsteady friction effects have been considered. Validation of the developed computational code is carried out through comparison of the computed transient pressures with those measured at Karun-III Hydropower Plant. According to the results obtained for MONJ Hydropower Station, when only one turbine is in operation, the surge tank decreases the pressure rise within the spiral case and the turbine overspeed by 22% and 6%, respectively. While the percentages associated with employing a proper surge relief valves are accordingly 12% and 14%. This study substantiates how surge relief valves can be used instead of an expensive surge tank to relieve the transient response.

Frequency Regulation of a Hybrid Wind–Hydro Power Plant in an Isolated Power System

“…To solve these equations, different approaches can be found in the specialized literature, such as the method of characteristics [50], or the transfer function proposed in [51]. The lumped parameter approach [52,53] has been used in this study to solve Equations (2) and (3).…”

Bayesian network approach to fault diagnosis of a hydroelectric generation system

“…15,16 In general, the vibration in the HGS is defined as a drastic reciprocating motion caused by unbalanced forces and uncertain disturbances. 19,20 The current study of the HGS's faults mainly focuses on the constituent components (eg, generators, hydro-turbines, and pipelines). 19,20 The current study of the HGS's faults mainly focuses on the constituent components (eg, generators, hydro-turbines, and pipelines).…”

“…17,18 For instance, 60% of the vibration faults are attributable to the out-of-balance rotating bodies and the pressure pulsation of flow passage components in Japan. 19,20 The current study of the HGS's faults mainly focuses on the constituent components (eg, generators, hydro-turbines, and pipelines). [21][22][23] Additionally, the collection of the on-line monitoring data under the condition of fast information flow is another challenge for fault diagnosis of the HGS.…”

Mathematical model and parametric uncertainty analysis of a hydraulic generating system

“…Li et al introduced Hamiltonian theory to investigate transient stability of a HGS [6]. Riasi et al made sensitivity analysis of transient flow and numerical analysis of the hydraulic transient response [7,8].…”