Model Tests, Techniques, and Results

In hydropower projects, model tests using a reduced-scale model are well-established practice regulated by international standards. Measurement of unsteady phenomena, like pulsation of pressure or guide vane torque in the model is also widely used. Systematic comparison of test results from many projects in a physically sensible way has permitted ‘generic’ data describing the normal behavior of a certain type of machine to be established. Such data, which have not been publicly available before, are presented here to enable planners to formulate realistic specifications, and to make the assessment of measured pulsations more rational.