Computerized Kaplan Turbine Test Rig

The HANSA designed and developed experimental setup helps to investigate the characteristic behavior of a simple-regulated Kaplan turbine during operation. The trainer is provided with a closed water circuit with a tank, submersible pump, and throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate. The angle of attack of the rotor, and thus the power output of the turbine, is changed by adjusting the guide vanes. The turbine is loaded with a wear-free eddy current brake.

The speed is captured by means of an inductive, non-contact position sensor at the turbine shaft. For determining the turbine power, the eddy current brake is equipped with a force sensor for torque measurement. The pressures at the inlet and outlet of the turbine, the temperature, and the flow rate are recorded with sensors. The recorded measured values are displayed digitally and processed further on a PC. The PC is used to calculate the power output data of the examined turbine and to represent them in characteristic curves.