Author(s): Marius Nati; Angela Digulescu; Cornel Ioana; Carmen Badina; Regiane Fortes Patella; Pierre Maruzwski

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Abstract: In hydraulic power generation, cavitation represents a major operational challenge, as it causes erosion of turbine components, efϐiciency loss, and increased maintenance costs. This paper presents a non-intrusive ultrasonic method for the early detection of erosive cavitation, based on acoustic signal processing. The monitoring system uses piezoelectric transducers to emit and receive broadband ultrasonic signals, from which key indicators such as Time of Arrival (TOA) and Instantaneous Bandwidth are extracted. Erosive cavitation is detected through the analysis of ϐluctuations in these parameters, which reveal disruptions in the acoustic path caused by vapor bubble formation. The system was validated on a Double Francis turbine under real operating conditions, demonstrating the ability to detect cavitation several minutes before its full development. The results show that this method provides accurate, continuous monitoring with predictive capabilities, making it a necessary tool for improving the reliability and efϐiciency of hydraulic turbines.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1561/1/012010

Year: 2025