Expt. No.

Date:

TO STUDY CONSTANT SPEED CHARACTERISTICS OF PELTON WHEEL

Aim: To study constant speed characteristics of a given pelton wheel.
Theory: According to action of water flowing through the turbine runner the turbine may be classified
as impulse turbine and reaction turbine. The wheel is impulse turbine, all the available energy of water is
converted into K.E. as velocity head by passing through contracting nozzle provided at the penstock end.
The water coming out of penstock nozzle is formed into a free jet which impinges on series of buckets
of runner this cause it to revolve.
Construction of pelton wheel: The pelton wheel consist of the following components :
1.Runner: The runner consists of circular disc with no. of buckets equally spaced around its periphery.
The buckets have a shape of double semi elliptical cups. Each bucket is divided into two symmetrical
parts by a sharp edge known as splitters which divides the jet into two equal partitions of which after
flowing around the smooth inner surface of bucket at its outer edge.
2.Buckets: The buckets are so shaped that the angle at outlet varies from 10-20 so that the jet of water
deflected through 160-170. The bucket are so double cup shaped because of this the bearing
supporting wheel shaft are not subjected to any axial thrust or end thrust. If the lower tip of the bucket a
notch is cut which represents the jet striking. The proceeding bucket learning intercepted by the next
bucket vary soon and it also the deflection of water of water towards the corner of wheel.
3.Nozzle: The nozzle is fitted at the end of the penstock to divert the water flow on bucket of the runner
with high velocity. To control quantity of water striking the nozzle is provided with a spear or operated
by hand wheel.
4.Casing: A casting made by C.I. is fabricated of steel plate and is provided to prevent of water to
tailrace and acts as a safe guard against an accident.
Apparatus required:
1. Pelton wheel
2. Tachometer
3. Pressure gauge
4. Spring balance
5. Centrifugal pump
6. Venturimeter

Experimental Setup:
It consists of a centrifugal pump which is run by an electric motor. The piping from the outlet of
centrifugal pump to the nozzle of pelton wheel consists of venturimeter and pressure gauge to record
difference of pressure. The value near centrifugal pump is used for controlling the discharged loading is
done using the brake drum & rope fitted to the frame. An underground tank stores water required for
equipment.
Procedure:
1. Start electric motor to supply water to turbine.
2. Allow maximum discharged by maximum opening of nozzle.
3. By opening the discharge control valve at the head on turbine blade to same valve obtain a constant
speed say N rpm at no load.
4. Note down the head on turbine and pressure at venturimeter.
5. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times for the different load maintaining the turbine speed constant.

Observation:
SR.
NO.

LOAD

HEAD ON
TURBINE

HEAD IN TERMS
OF WATER

VENTURIMETER READING
P1

KgF

KgF/CM

P2

P1-P2

M OF
H20

Calculations:
i.Head on turbine (H) = Pressure gauge reading 10

ii.Venturimeter reading = KgF/cm2 10

iii. Discharge (Q) = Qth

iv. Actual discharge (Qact) = Qth cd

v.Torque on brake drum (T) = load in kg 9.81 Re

vi.Power output (Po) =

vii. Input power (Pi) =

viii. Efficincy () =

Result:
SR NO.

DISCHARGE

TORQUE

O/P POWER

I/P POWER

(m3/sec)X10-3

(N.m)

(Kw)

(Kw)

(%)

Graphs:
1. Efficiency V/S discharge.
2. Output V/S discharge.

Conclusion: