Reduction of Turbine Runner Vibration and Noise

Abstract

A résumé of hydraulic turbine vibration experience in the U. S. Army Engineer Division, Southwestern, Corps of Engineers, hydroelectric stations and methods used in reducing the vibration and noise to a more satisfactory level. These hydroelectric stations are scattered over a rather large area extending from Southern Missouri to Central Texas. All of the hydroelectric installations are part of multiple purpose projects primarily designed for flood control. This provides an operating head variation of nearly 50 per cent of the turbine design head at some projects. There are 18 units presently in operation, all of the Francis type, with design heads varying from 59 to 190 ft.