Visualization of Flow Phenomena in a Hydraulic Turbine Based on 3D Flow Computations

The fluid flow in a Francis turbine has been analysed theoretically. Advanced techniques have been used for both the flow calculation and the presentation of the results in order to clarify what is going on in the hydraulic turbomachine. The impact of these techniques on runner design at Sulzer Escher Wyss leading to improved turbine operating characteristics is shown.