Hydropower Lab

The Hydropower Laboratory consists of various pipe-loops pressurized through centrifugal pu mps. In addition to conventional closed loop test circuits, the laboratory is equipped with an upper free surface reservoir which is unique and gives a great deal of flexibility. Of special test rigs one can mention:

• Test rig for Francis, Kaplan and reversible pump turbines (RPT). This rig is in accordance with IEC standards

• Test rig for Pelton turbines.

• Test rig for micro, mini and s mall turbines.

Research at the laboratory is mainly connected to student projects for Master and PhD degrees, such as:

Design of machinery and co mponents and verification by help of numerical tools such as CFD and FEM analysis. Evaluation of technology and develop ment of theory for existing and new co mponents in hydraulic syste ms. Calculation of stability and safety margins within waterways (pipes-network) and preparations for measure ments, procedures and analysis of hydraulic syste ms. Testing of materials with regards to cavitation-erosion and assess ment of materials with regards to fatigue in co mbination with flow induced structural vibrations. Testing of model turbines.