Study of Different Types of Ventilation and Cooling Systems of Bulb Hydrogenerators in a Three-Dimensional Setting

The Object of research in the article is the ventilation and cooling system of bulb hydrogenerators. The Subject of study in the article is the design and efficiency of using the cooling system of various structural types for bulb hydro units. The Purpose of the work is to carry out a three-dimensional study of two cooling systems (axial and radial) of the bulb hydro unit of the Kanivskaya HPP with a rated 22 MW. Research Tasks include analysis of the main design solutions for effective cooling of bulb-type hydrogenerators, in particular, the use of radial, axial, and mixed cooling systems; formulation of the main assumptions for the three-dimensional ventilation and thermal calculation of the bulb hydrogenerator; carrying out a three-dimensional calculation for a hydrogenerator with axial ventilation; determining airflow speeds in the channels and temperatures of active parts of the hydrogenerator under the conditions of using discharge fans and without them; carrying out a three-dimensional calculation for a hydrogenerator with radial ventilation; determining airflow speeds in the channels and temperatures of the active parts of the hydrogenerator. As a result of the study, the main constructive solutions of cooling systems of bulb hydrogenerators were considered. On the basis of scientific developments, two main ventilation systems were formed and their functioning was considered on the example of the hydro unit of the Kanivska HPP. Using a three-dimensional study, a comparison of the efficiency of axial and radial ventilation systems was carried out. It was found that the forced axial system with two fans is the most optimal and reliable for removing heat from heat-generating elements, ensuring long-term operation and the necessary speeds in the cooling channels. This research makes a significant contribution to improving the efficiency of the cooling systems of bulb hydrogenerators, which is critical for their reliable and trouble-free operation.