Hydraulic machines IEC 60193 test platform

Comprehensive pump-turbine characterisation testing

Qualifying hydraulic runners in accordance with the IEC 60193 standard
Our hydraulic test rig offers a complete solution for performing acceptance tests on Francis turbines, storage pumps and reversible pump-turbines, in accordance with the IEC 60193 standard.

Investigating physical hydraulic phenomena to improve efficiency
Physical hydraulic phenomena such as S-shape, hump region or cavitation characteristics can be investigated thanks to combined measurements, the ability to visualise water flow on a reduced-scale experimental test rig and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation (CFD).

Located at our Grenoble site, the hydraulic test platform is the only independent hydraulic test rig in France able to perform tests according to the IEC 60193 standard.

Our modern test rig offers flexibility and reduced down time. It can operate in all 4 quadrants with automated operational mode settings. We perform all test operations and mode changing from the control room with automated valves, allowing fast, repeatable tests. Our modular facility can accommodate different vertical shaft runners for various hydraulic models (Francis turbine or Pump-Turbine).

The platform is equipped with high-precision measuring instruments, suitable for both development and acceptance tests. Automated system and supervision software enable rapid performance assessment.

Located at our Grenoble site, the hydraulic test platform is the only independent hydraulic test rig in France able to perform tests according to the IEC 60193 standard.
We carry out your acceptance tests in an independant laboratory, supporting your preliminary research and the development of new hydraulic designs.

The main features of the platform are:

  • Maximum Head: 100 mWC

  • Maximum Discharge: 800 l/s

  • Maximum Rotational Speed: 1800 rpm

  • Output Generator Power: 330 kW

  • Pumping group Power: 410 kW

  • Efficiency accuracy: ≤ 0,3 % in accordance with IEC60193 standard

Available services

We carry out your acceptance tests in an independant laboratory, supporting your preliminary research and the development of new hydraulic designs. We provide comprehensive characteristic diagrams of reduced-scale models, enabling us to offer an extremely detailed characterisation of your product. By understanding the real operating limits of your machines, we put you in a position to target new market opportunities.

  • Efficiency measurements

  • Measuring and visualising cavitation limits

  • Turbine runaway characterisation

  • 4 quadrants characterisation

  • Dynamic torque measurements

  • Dynamic axial and radial thrust measurements

  • Wicket gates torque measurements

  • Dissolved oxygen measurements

  • Velocity field measurement

Main features

IEC 60193 independent test rig

The only independent hydraulic test rig in France able to test in all 4 quadrants of reversible pump turbines, according to the IEC60193 standard.

CAO designs & features

We are capable of visualising & measuring water flow structures in a turning runner, thanks to:

  • Windows on the runner hub and in the upper head cover
  • Innovative markers such as fine wires or micrometric gas bubbles

Cavitation in the turbine inlet

We are able to visualise cavitation in a turbine inlet on both the pressure and suction sides.

Simulation tools

Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations complete experimental results and give an overall view of the tested machine.

We have developed numerical tools to assist our clients and support our investigations on physical hydraulic phenomena, new runner designs, in-use runner efficiency improvements or experimental data treatments.

Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations complete experimental results and give an overall view of the tested machine.
Renaud_Guillaume_SuperGrid_Institute

Contact our expert

Renaud Guillaume, Reasearch department director

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