Symposium on Pumped Storage: Development of Reversible Pump-Turbines

Problems encountered in the evolution of single-runner reversible pump-turbines are reviewed and outlines are presented of the considerations that apply in development of machines for maximum over-all economy. The contribution of modern model testing laboratory research and design investigation techniques to major, medium, and high head applications are described. Examples of reversible units for operating heads of 1,300 ft are used to demonstrate significant advances in this field. A detailed outline of the model testing facilities used in reversible pump-turbine development is included as an appendix.