Voith Demonstrates Research And Development Competence: Model Tests Successfully Completed For The Swiss Pumped Storage Power Plant Ritom
- Voith has completed the model tests for two individual Pelton turbines and a storage pump for the pumped storage power plant Ritom
- The test results confirmed the guaranteed values and expectations
- The model test took place at the Brunnenmühle research and development center in Heidenheim
At its research and development center, the Brunnenmühle in Heidenheim, the Voith technology group successfully completed three fully homogeneous model acceptance tests for the Swiss pumped storage power plant Ritom. A 5- and 6-nozzle Pelton turbine and a storage pump were tested.
The Voith experts determined the efficiency, maximal output, throughput speed, hydraulic forces and the dimensions of the machines on the basis of the fully homogeneous models. The specialists also controlled the cavitation behavior at different operating points. As a result, the subsequent behavior of the machines were analyzed and the guaranteed parameters verified. The contractually assured guarantees were confirmed by the measurements and in some cases exceeded.
Sophisticated model test successfully conducted
Even before the model acceptance tests were carried out, the electromechanical parts of the new machines were examined with detailed simulation models and optimized with regard to all requirements. The Voith team initially started testing the two-stage storage pump.
Afterwards the model acceptance tests of the two Pelton turbines were carried out. Despite the high efficiency guarantees, the parallel development of two completely different Pelton turbines and numerous conversions on the test stand, the Voith team was able to achieve the guaranteed parameters and thus successfully complete the model acceptance tests.
"Currently, the engineering of all components of the hydraulic and electric machines is in progress. The components from earlier construction phases, for example, the turbine housing and the distribution piping, are already in production. If everything goes according to schedule, these components can be installed on site in May 2021," explains Matten.
Source: Voith GmbH & Co.