Research & Development

«Lifetime prediction»

We are continuously working on understanding the effects and influences on lifetime of our runners:

• Research on damage and fatigue problem
• Material properties by fatigue failure tests for typical welded zones on Francis runners
• Implementing calculation methods
• Collecting stress behavior data for different operation modes by prototype measurements

Rainpower is taking part in the HydroFlex project, that aims to develop new technology permitting highly flexible operation of hydropower stations. Flexibility of operation here means large ramping rates, frequent start-stops and possibilities to provide a large range of system services.

Visit https://www.h2020hydroflex.eu/ for more information.