Étude de faisabilité de l'insertion d'une membrane élastomère à renfort textile dans l'aspirateur d'une centrale hydroélectrique

The generation of electrical energy in Quebec, estimated to 200 TWh, comes from hydroelectric generating stations for 96% which are at the heart of provincial ecological and economic challenges. An important amount of research has been devoted to improving the hydrodynamic profile of hydraulic turbines to maximize their energy efficiency. However, few studies have focused on the draft tube in hydroelectric power plants, which is the duct where water flows out after crossing the turbine. Recent calculations performed by Alstom Power & Transport Canada Inc. revealed that the shape modulation of the draft tube could increase the hydroelectric generating station performance. The goal of this research was to assess the feasibility of this shape modification in existing draft tubes with inflatable composite membranes. The study consisted first of building an experimental setup to test the inflation of at membranes made up of a fiberglass-reinforced rubber composite. The inflated membranes were digitized with an optical equipment enabling 3D representations of their deflections. The second part of the study aimed at building finite element models reproducing the same experiments and enabling the design of more complicated membranes. The study confirmed the technical feasibility of designing and manufacturing such a membrane for the targeted application. However the large-scale roll-out will require to manufacture 3D membranes with the proper anchoring system.