Operating experience with bulb units at the rance tidal power plant and other French hydro-power sites

A brief review of large bulb unit development in France since 1957 is followed by a detailed description of the Rance tidal power plant and a summary of other French bulb unit plants, mainly located on the Rhone and Rhine Rivers. Operating results are summed-up and the performance of present operational bulb units analysed, including a discussion of the principal operating difficulties experienced and how they have been overcome. The report ends with an appraisal of the main advantages and drawbacks of bulb units compared to conventional Kaplans, and a few words on future development.