Computerized Francis Turbine Trainer

The HANSA designed and developed a closed water circuit consists of a tank with optional cooling, a centrifugal pump, and a flow control valve for adjusting the inlet pressure. The transparent operating area of the turbine enables an optimal view of water flow, rotor, and guide vanes during operation. By adjusting the guide vanes the angle of attack, the cross-section, and thus the output of the turbine is changed. An asynchronous machine is used as a generator for loading the turbine. A pump with variable speed via frequency converter provides for an energy-efficient operation.

The speed of the turbine is recorded by means of an inductive, non-contact position sensor at the generator shaft. The generator is equipped with a pendulum bearing and with a force sensor to determine the torque.

The pressures at the inlet and outlet of the turbine, the temperature, and the flow rate are recorded by sensors. The measured values are displayed digitally and can be processed further on a PC.