Method for optimizing the efficiency of a set of machines comprising a turbine and a generator

A method for optimizing the efficiency of a set of machines comprising a double-controlled turbine and a generator comprising the steps of:

• (a) determining a correlation between an efficiency .eta., flow Q, variable height of fall H, gate opening .DELTA..gamma. and runner opening .phi. on a model set of machines by measuring of said efficiency .eta. in dependence of said variables Q, H, .DELTA..gamma. and .phi., said determination yielding a model optimum curve for the respective height of fall, the model optimum curve having the optimum gate opening as a function of flow and runner opening;
• (b) storing said model optimum curve in a means for data-storing;
• (c) transferring said model optimum curve data to a regulating system of a large-scale system;
• and
• (d) determining an optimum efficiency for an operating point of the large-scale system, the optimum efficiency determination process comprising;
• (1) based on the model optimum curve, making variations of the gate opening .DELTA..gamma. and of the runner opening .phi. on the large-scale system, the variations being such that the flow of the model set of machines would remain constant for the same variations, and wherein a flow of the large-scale system is also presumed to be constant;
• (2) adjusting the gate opening .DELTA..gamma. and the runner opening .phi. according to a position which is found more efficient;
• (3) comparing a power output before and a power output after the variations to determine stepwise a .DELTA..gamma./.phi. operating point with optimum efficiency.