Geometric parameters of influence on rotor stator interaction in radial hydraulic turbines

Numerical methods for the prediction of the hydraulic forcing from rotor stator interaction (RSI) in hydraulic turbines as well as the corresponding methods to calculate mechanical dynamic stresses are mature and well-established in the industry. The geometric factors influencing RSI are generally known, but little information is available on the quantification of these factors with respect to RSI forcing. We present relative quantifications of four geometric factors on RSI forcing expressed as dynamic blade torque. The factors are the blade leading edge lean, the radial distance between guide vane trailing and runner leading edges, the phase between adjacent runner channels as a function of number of guide vanes and blades, and finally the number of guide vanes independently of their effect on the phase. RSI pressure pulsations on the stator in the vane-less space between guide vanes and runner show a different tendency with the variation of the blade number compared to the dynamic blade torque. This indicates that dynamic pressure measurements in the vane-less space are not a good indicator for dynamic forcing on the runner blades.