ENERGETIC MATCHING OF THE IMPULSE SOURCE (GIF²) AND THE TURBINE TERMINAL (RTM) IN A CLOSED HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT

Abstract

The article is devoted to the engineering substantiation of the Reactive‑Turbine Module (RTM) – a terminal device of the Hydro‑Impulse Power Plant (HSPP), which converts the kinetic energy of a quasi‑continuous high‑velocity jet formed by the Gravitational‑Impulse Flow Former (GIF²) as a result of the overlap of impulse modules into electrical energy, with subsequent dissipation of residual energy in the receiver tank, and ensures recirculation of the working fluid in a closed hydraulic circuit.

Based on the energy analysis of GIF² [4] and the design solutions of the elbow‑free configuration [5], the jet parameters were determined: frequency 2.3900 Hz, power 2.6888 MW at an equivalent dynamic head corresponding to a jet velocity of 126.1 m/s, main jet flow rate 337.7 L/s, total flow rate at the RTM inlet 338.3 L/s including auxiliary flows.

The Pelton turbine with a wheel diameter of 0.75 m (material AISI 416 with nitriding) was calculated and compared with serial turbines from leading manufacturers (Voith [36], Andritz [37], GE [38]). The parameters of the generator (2.3 MW, 1500 rpm) and the recirculation pump (22 kW, flow rate 338.3 L/s, Grundfos KPL or KSB Amacan P) are presented.

Strength and durability calculations of the receiver tank (volume 6 m³ for 1 module, scaling up to 54 m³ for 6 modules) and the pump were performed in accordance with ASME B31.3 [26] and EN 13445 [28].

The energy balance of the RTM confirms the net power of the plant as 2.277 MW for one module with an overall efficiency of 84.7% relative to the jet power at the RTM inlet, and 13.66 MW for six modules.

The results are consistent with the fundamental laws of mass and energy conservation and with regulatory requirements.