Utilizing Materials Informatics to Predictively Engineering the Micro-Mechanical Properties of Hydraulic Turbine Steels

Cost-effective clean energy production is one of the most urgent economic and societal issues facing Canada today. Hydro-Québec is a world-leader in clean hydro-electric energy production – an essentially carbon-free source of energy. However, the repair and replacement of hydraulic turbines utilized in hydro-electric power production has two important consequences on clean energy production: (1) it results large financial losses, in terms of overall production, and thereby reduces costeffectiveness; and (2) it also ties up significant human resources which could have been used to further clean energy production. Thus, it is essential that new technologies be developed to extend the lifetime and reduce the downtime of hydraulic turbines. The results of this project are aimed at designing better turbines and more robust welding repair approaches that will achieve these aims. Specifically, the proposed partnership will allow Hydro-Québec’s engineers to better understand the influence of manufacturing and repair procedures (casting, welding) on the local microstructure of hydraulic turbines. The project will directly link microstructural properties with the micromechanical properties of steel turbines, and thereby enhance their expected operational lifetime and durability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nikolas Provatas;Hong Guo;Kirk H Bevan

Student:

Salvador Valtierra Rodriguez;PENG KANG;Duta aizul-Aziz

Partner:

Institut de Recherche Hydro-Québec - Laboratoire des Technologies de l'Énergie

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

McGill University

Program: