52. Model Testing as an Important Part of Turbine Refurbishment – Philosophy and Experiences
Model development and testing is essential part of successful turbine refurbishment. The philosophy of development and testing in an independent institution is analysed on the basis of experience at hydropower plants owned by HEP Generation. The results of model development and testing performed in independent institute before turbine refurbishment tendering are analysed for HPP Peruca, Gojak and Dubrovnik (all Francis turbines), Varazdin (Kaplan turbine) and Dubrava (bulb turbine), experience with retesting is analysed for HPP Vinodol (Pelton turbine) and with competitive model testing for HPP Zakucac 1, 2 (Francis turbine). The advantages of independent institute at model development and testing are discussed in the light of its responsibilities for the final result of turbine refurbishment. The practice of using the services of an independent institute in the refurbishment of hydropower plants in Croatia has yielded good results. After the implementation of all initiated refurbishment projects, it will be much easier to clearly formulate the obtained experiences and to analyse any shortcomings of such an approach.