Abstract

Test rigs for model hydraulic turbines are used to perform various standardized tests on model turbines by simulating characteristics of the running water, at which the actual turbine will work. Test cell is a frame structure that is placed between the high head and the low head reservoirs of a test rig. It accommodates a generator-bearing assembly and the model turbines to be tested. Since model turbines are custom made systems, the frame structure is required to be designed according to the highest possible loading condition, within the capacity of the test rig, to ensure structural integrity while also considering the ease of assembly. A custom hydrostatic bearing for generator is required to support the potentially harmful axial and radial forces, and bending moments produced by the turbine. In this study, design of a test cell for a hydraulic model turbine test rig is presented.