The Francis turbine is part of the reaction turbines which convert the pressure energy of the water into kinetic energy in the control device and in the impeller. Francis turbines are used for medium heads. The turbine power is controlled by adjusting the vanes in the control device. In practice, Francis turbines are used in run-of-the-river power stations and in storage power stations.

  HM 430C enables you to examine the function and operating behaviour of a Francis turbine. The dimensions of the trainer guarantee for realistic measured values. The closed water circuit consists of a tank with cooling circuit, a centrifugal pump with drive and a flow control valve for adjusting the inlet pressure. The transparent housing cover makes it possible to view the running turbine in an optimal way. The transparent cover enables you to observe the water flow, the wheel and the guide vanes during operation. The angle of incidence, the cross section and thus the power output of the impeller are changed by adjusting the guide vanes. The turbine is loaded with a DC generator with current converter. The DC generator is force-ventilated. A speed-controlled pump provides for an energy efficient operation.

  The speed is recorded by means of an inductive, non-contact position sensor at the motor shaft. For determining the drive power, the drive motor is equipped with a pendulum bearing and with a force sensor for measuring the driving torque. The pressures at the inlet and outlet of the

turbine, the temperature and the flow rate are recorded with sensors. The recorded measured values are displayed digitally and processed further in a PC. The PC is used to calculate the power output data of the examined turbine and to represent them by characteristic curves.

  The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

- investigation of the conversion of hydraulic into

  mechanical energy
- determination of torque and speed at the turbine

  shaft
- determination of mechanical power and hydraulic

  power
- determination of efficiency
- recording of characteristic curves
- investigation of the influence of the guide vane

  position
- velocity triangles