Hydraulic Spiral Case Pressure Control in Condenser Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
High water pressure inside the spiral case during condenser mode operation in hydraulic turbines leads to suboptimal power consumption, as existing solutions like water passageways between the spiral case and draft tube do not adequately address this issue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first or second connecting element into the hydraulic circuit to intercept the spiral casing or runner chamber, equipped with pressure sensors and control units to regulate pressure by adjusting the pitch of wicket gates or using a pump to manage water flow between the spiral case and draft tube, ensuring efficient pressure reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a water passageway is provided between the spiral case and draft tube to reduce pressure, then water flow from spiral case to draft tube is improved, but power consumption is not optimized sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic control system with variable speed pump and adjustable wicket gates that adapt to changing pressure conditions in real-time, transitioning from static fixed passageway designs to dynamically adjustable pressure management, thereby optimizing power consumption across varying operational states
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors mounted on the spiral case provide continuous feedback to a control unit, which automatically adjusts pump speed and wicket gate pitch to maintain optimal pressure levels, creating a closed-loop control system that minimizes power consumption while effectively managing spiral case pressure
2Speed
If pressurised air is admitted into the runner housing to maintain synchronous speed, then quick return to normal operation is enabled, but water pressure in the spiral case increases to harmful levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary active pressure management system comprising variable speed pump and controllable wicket gates that mediate between the air admission process and spiral case pressure, allowing independent control of runner speed maintenance and pressure management that were previously coupled in conventional designs
3Productivity
If the wicket gates are closed to achieve condenser mode, then electrical output is stopped, but pressure control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pressure control function from the power generation function by introducing independent pressure management components (variable speed pump, adjustable wicket gates, pressure sensors) that can operate autonomously during condenser mode, allowing complete closure of main wicket gates for zero power output while maintaining active pressure control through alternative pathways
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
The solution effectively reduces pressure inside the spiral case, minimizing residual water and active power consumption, thereby optimizing power usage during condenser mode operations.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure sensors may be mounted in the spiral case and a control unit may be arranged to receive feedback from the pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
The second connecting element may comprise a pump
Implementation Method 3
a flow of water naturally moves from the spiral case to the draft tube in the direction of a negative pressure gradient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to hydraulic machinery, such as hydraulic turbines. More specifically, the invention is directed to optimising power consumption when the turbine is used in condenser mode. The present invention provides a novel hydraulic installation where the reduction of pressure in the spiral case during condenser mode operations is more efficient, limiting the power consumption if compared to state-of-the-art installations.