Investigation of Channel Vortices in Francis Turbines

In this paper the characteristics of one type of channel vortex and the effect of different parameters on this channel vortex have been investigated experimentally with the aid of high speed photography. The results show that locations of the channel vortices move from near the hub down to near the band with the increase n11 or the decrease Q11 Meanwhile, with the decrease of Q11 or σ channel vortices become thicker with increasing appearing frequency. When the channel vortices come out near the hub or in the middle of the blade at low or moderate n11, the main frequency of pressure pulsation in the draft tube is the swirling frequency of vortex rope. However when the channel vortices come out near the band at high n11, the pressure pulsation in the draft tube has a wide-band spectrum with the frequency within 0.7~1fn (rotating frequency). Then detailed numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the observed phenomenon. The results reveal this channel vortex is caused by the reversed flow in the draft tube. The mechanism is that channel vortices are induced when the reversed fluid flows up along the suction side of the blade and meets the upstream main flow.