Analysis of the key hydraulic performances of pump-turbine with splitter blades

Pressure fluctuations generated within the vaneless space of a pump-turbine are directly related to the ability of the unit to operate in a stable manner. Using the runner with splitter blades is a way to improve the stability of the unit. In this study, the model test results of pump-turbine runners in pumped-storage power plants in China are used to statistically analyze the efficiency and the amplitude of pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space of different units in several power plants since 2000. On this basis, combining the model and prototype test results before and after the modification of unit 4# of Heimifeng Pumped Storage Power Plant, the efficiency, the amplitude and frequency of pressure fluctuation in the vaneless space of the conventional blade runner and the splitter blade runner are compared, and the advantages of the design of the splitter blade runner in reducing pressure fluctuation are given in a quantitative manner.