TFC Computer Controlled Francis Turbine

The Computer Controlled Francis Turbine, "TFC", consists of a small-scale Francis Turbine, with a valve that allows flow regulation and has a ring with adjustable guide vanes that allows control of the angle of incidence of the water in the turbine.

The feed chamber is spiral-shaped and is therefore known as a snail chamber. Due to its design, the water circulates with apparently constant speed and without forming whirls, thus avoiding pressure losses.

In order to raise the fluid, it has a computer controlled pump that enables the impelled flow to pass through the turbine, in which part of its energy is left, causing the turbine to turn, overcoming the external resistance caused by an electromagnetic brake. This computer controlled brake makes it possible to vary the braking load on the turbine.

In addition, the unit is equipped with a pressure sensor placed at the turbine water inlet which measures the inlet pressure a flow sensor to measure the turbine water inlet flow an optical sensor which determines the speed of the turbine shaft and has two pressure sensors at the pump inlet and outlet, in order to obtain its characteristic curve.

The pump-turbine group has a tank and a pipes system which allow to work constantly with recirculated fluid to avoid the indiscriminate water consumption.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.