Double-Flow Volute Casing Partition Plate Torque Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional volute casings in Francis turbines experience pressure fluctuations leading to reduced power production efficiency and increased defect rates due to excessive fluid pressure, and existing solutions like partition plates or valve-adjusted fluid flow either reduce pressure or cause flow disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A double-flow type volute casing with a partition plate dividing the volute into inner and outer flow channels, where the ratio of their sectional areas is 4:6, and flow-rate adjustment holes are arranged to direct high-pressure fluid from the outer channel into the inner channel perpendicularly to the turbine blades, ensuring stable pressure application and reduced torque imbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a partition plate is installed to divide the volute into two equal parts, then pressure is reduced, but performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The volute is divided into inner and outer flow channels by a partition plate, creating separate flow paths for controlled pressure distribution to the turbine blades
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plate is positioned asymmetrically with a 4:6 sectional area ratio between inner and outer channels, creating non-uniform pressure distribution that optimizes torque balance on turbine blades
2Stress or pressure
If a valve structure is used to adjust fluid flow amount, then pressure control is improved, but flow disturbance occurs in small-sized products
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure is completely removed and replaced by a passive partition plate design that achieves pressure control through geometric configuration rather than active flow restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The sectional area ratio of 4:6 between inner and outer flow channels is optimized to balance pressure distribution, eliminating the need for valve-based flow adjustment
3Quantity of substance
If excessive pressure is applied in the rotary section, then fluid introduction is enhanced, but turbine blade movement fluctuates and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different pressure levels are created in inner and outer flow channels with a 4:6 area ratio, allowing localized pressure optimization that balances torque on turbine blades while maintaining efficient fluid introduction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration minimizes energy loss, prevents vibration, and enhances rotational force stability, thereby improving hydraulic turbine performance and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a partition plate for partitioning a volute defined in the casing into an inner flow channel and an outer flow channel is provided
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of flow-rate adjustment holes is formed in the partition plate so as to be arranged at a gradually decreasing interval such that a high-pressure fluid flowing in the outer flow channel is introduced into the inner flow channel and the fluid flowing in the inner flow channel is directed perpendicularly to the turbine blades
Data Source
AI summary
A double-flow type volute casing having a structure for changing the direction of flow in a turbine inlet is proposed. The volute casing includes a partition plate for partitioning a volute defined in the casing into an inner flow channel and an outer flow channel, provided so as to surround a turbine, a plurality of flow-rate adjustment holes formed in the partition plate so as to be arranged at a gradually decreasing interval such that a high-pressure fluid flowing in the outer flow channel is introduced into the inner flow channel and the fluid flowing in the inner flow channel is directed perpendicularly to the turbine blades, in order to minimize the amount of energy that is lost and to reduce imbalanced variation of torque applied to the turbine blades.