Patent ID: 6152684
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: F03B,Y02E

Abstract:
A process for operating a hydraulic machine, comprising the steps of:(A) detecting an actual machine state during operation of the machine by ascertaining operating data includingflow through the machine,effective and reactive power fed into electric mains,guide vane opening,pressure upstream of the machine and at a suction pipe exit,headwater level, andtailwater level;(B) measuring a cavitation characteristic value indicative of cavitation manifestations, the cavitation manifestations being high-frequency sounds;(C) processing the cavitation characteristic value and at least one additional state characteristic value selected from the group comprisingvibration characteristic values,suction pipe pressure,sand concentration,air pressure,water temperature, andgenerator temperature; and(D) altering an operating point of the machine based on the processed cavitation characteristic value and the at least one additional characteristic value to reduce cavitation and/or quiet running.