Analyzing the S-characteristic of pump-turbine under the same head condition from the perspective of flow energy dissipation

The S region on the full characteristic curve of pump-turbine is one of the important key features that affect its operation stability. In S region, one specific rotational speed value ( n 11 ) corresponds to three specific flow rate values ( Q 11 ), which causes the unit to fluctuate between different operation conditions. In this paper, focusing on the special region of pump-turbine, based on the combination of model experiment and numerical simulation, the S-region dynamic model of pump-turbine is established. The internal flow mechanism of pump-turbine is analyzed in detail from the perspective of Flow Energy Dissipation (FED). The results show that the high FED component is different at different operating points, but the flow energy maintain balance in the pump-turbine unit. High FED area displayed in near-wall or inter-channel of different components under different flow conditions. Besides, the generation of S region is related to the dynamic balance of energy especially in the no-load region. The analysis results of this paper provide theoretical basis for scientific and stable operation of pump-turbine.