Hydro turbine failure mechanisms: An overview

Turbine failure not only increases the plant down-time and brings about revenue losses but also poses a serious threat to the life of the operational and maintenance personnel especially when the power house is underground. There are basically four main failure modes identified in open literature. The current article presents an overview of these four hydro turbine failure modes based on an extensive literature review and also field observation from the Tala Hydropower Plant, Bhutan. Moreover, the report provides information about different turbine parts that are more likely to be liable to damage under these failure modes. It also attempts to elucidate some recommended methods to prevent/mitigate against these failure modes.