
As the incoming swirling flow decelerates in the diffuser cone, a hydrodynamic instability arises that looks like a rope twirling around in the draft tube, hence the name vortex rope. This creates special challenges in hydro power turbines because at partial loads these turbines often exhibit strong swirl at the runner outlet.


ONE of the most distinguishing characteristics of today’s deregulated power market is its variable demand, which means that profitability often depends on the ability to efficiently operate at partial loads.

Computational fluid dynamics software is being used by researchers to accurately simulate the position and pressure fluctuations of a draft tube rope in a hydro plant
