The thermodynamic method results from the application of the principle of conservation of energy (first law of thermodynamics) to a transfer of energy between water and the machine through which it is flowing.
BS 5860 is a British Standard that serves as a basis for the measurements to be made on hydraulic turbines, storage pumps, and pump turbines and for the computation of their efficiency by applying the thermodynamic method. This method is based on the evaluation of the energy per unit mass of water delivered to a turbine shaft or received by water from a pump shaft.
BS 5860 may be determined by measurements of the performance variables (Pressure, temperature, velocity, and level) and from the thermodynamic properties of water.
BS 5860 may be used for acceptance tests or for any other efficiency test.
BS 5860 on hydraulic turbines, storage pumps and pump-turbines is useful for:
Hydraulic turbines are designed, constructed, and operated to meet a variety of human requirements, including electricity generation, irrigated agricultural production, flood control, public and industrial water supply, drinking water supply, and a variety of other functions. For this reason, it is vital that the devices such as hydraulic turbines, storage pumps and pump-turbines demonstrate their efficiency and performance with best industry measuring methods to ensure product failures are minimized.
The guidance in BS 5860 provides you with a procedure for measurement of mechanical energy per unit mass, determination of hydraulic energy per unit mass and conditions, and precision of measurement requirements for the hydraulic turbines, storage pumps, and pump turbines.
By adopting measurement methods specified in BS 5860 you can demonstrate whether the hydraulic turbines, storage pumps and pump-turbines are fit for purpose and can help achieve frictionless flow for ideal operating conditions.