Investigation of Water Hammer Overpressure in the Hydraulic Passages of Hydropower Plants Equipped with Francis Turbines

Abstract Water hammer shortens hydraulic passage lifespan and may cause sudden failure. The primary goal is to use a hierarchical approach assess the main parameters associated with water hammer. This will help investigate their influence assist in decision making. Analytical calculation results numerical model are compared against experimental data. Our investigations examine overpressure loading induced by transient regimes. We used data from campaigns carried out within Hydro-Québec fleet that cover different types of turbines configurations as dataset. Guide vane closing rate was parameter controlled during experiments general trend identified for overpressure. empirical estimates order validate hypothesis taken into account calculations. An in-depth understanding phenomenon helps select appropriate theoretical recommend optimal operating extend lifetime avoid catastrophic failures. study case suggests available can be along gradually increasing analysis complexity identify methodology given configuration.