Preparing the downscale turbine test rig for future flow control experiments

Work is progressing at LTU on the preparation of a downscale turbine test rig developed within RevHydro’s draft tube flow control activities.

Recent efforts have focused on assembling the turbine model and preparing the supporting water supply infrastructure, including piping and tanks. This laboratory setup will enable future controlled experiments related to flow control strategies and pressure pulsation mitigation.

The test rig will play an important role in connecting several project activities. It will support experimental measurements, provide data for validating numerical simulations, and create a platform for evaluating draft tube flow control concepts under controlled conditions.

By developing this experimental infrastructure, RevHydro is strengthening the link between modelling, prototyping and validation. This contributes to the project’s broader objective of supporting more flexible, stable and sustainable hydropower operation.