Launch of the MD-Francis Project

The Research Consortium on Hydraulic Machines is pleased to announce the launch of the project MD-Francis – Modelling and Diagnostic of Anomalies in Francis Turbines. This five-year project aims to characterize and modelize the impacts of different anomalies in Francis turbines and to develop diagnostic strategies using artificial intelligence.

Spearheaded by the Heki Hydropower innovation center, MD-Francis regroups researchers from four Universities (Université Laval, Polytechnique Montréal, École de technologie supérieure, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) and six industrial partners (Andritz Hydro, Électricité de France, GE Vernova, Hydro-Québec, Vattenfall, Voith Hydro). The project is financed through an Alliance grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and InnovÉÉ’s Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations.

Hydroelectric power is a reliable and renewable energy source that plays a crucial role in the global shift toward cleaner energy. Flexibility is one of its main strengths: hydroelectric turbines can quickly adjust their output to balance the solar and wind energy fluctuations. However, this flexibility comes at a cost. Turbines are now being used more often under stressful conditions, which can lead to wear and unexpected breakdowns.

The research revolves around measurements on a scale model of a 130-megawatt Francis turbine operated by Hydro-Québec. Using this model, installed on Heki’s hydraulic turbine test stand at Université Laval, researchers will investigate different types of failures to determine their impact on the turbine's behaviour and identify warning signs that could be utilized in real turbines.

The data will help develop new tools and methods for predicting when turbines require maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing the utilization of our hydroelectric resources. In short, MD-Francis aims to make hydroelectric power even more efficient and reliable for the future.