PART B : FRANCIS TURBINE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In Francis Turbine water flow is radial into the turbine and exits the Turbine axially.
Water pressure decreases as it passes through the turbine imparting reaction on the turbine blades
making the turbine rotate. Read more about design and working principle of Francis Turbine in
this article.

Francis Turbine is the first hydraulic turbine with radial inflow. It was designed by
American scientist James Francis. Francis Turbine is a reaction turbine. Reaction Turbines have
some primary features which differentiate them from Impulse Turbine. The major part of
pressure drop takes place up to the entry point and the turbine passage is completely filled by the
water flow during the operation.

For power generation using Francis Turbine the turbine is supplied with high pressure
water which enters the turbine with radial inflow and leaves the turbine axially through the draft
tube. The energy from water flow is transferred to the shaft of the turbine in form of torque and
rotation. The turbine shaft is coupled with dynamos or alternators for power generation. For
quality power generation speed of turbine should be maintained constant despite the changing
loads. To maintain the runner speed constant even in reduced load condition the water flow rate
is reduced by changing the guide vanes angle.

2.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between the head, flow rate, velocity, power and efficiency
of Francis Turbine.

3.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the knowledge and skills they
have learned to:
a. Understand the basic operating system of the Francis Turbine.
b. Understand on the factors which influence the efficiency of turbine.
4.0 THEORY
Hydraulic power can be obtain at the turbine inlet (usually known in watt unit) and can be
calculated as, Phyd  H totQ , and Q as the volume discharge that can be read from the measuring

equipment (m3/s) and  is a water weight per unit of volume (9820 N / m3). H tot is a total head
(m) which can be calculated (using theorem Bernoulli method) in a circuit section flow just
before the turbine in a location of pressure head as a total of three parameter,
H tot  H man  H kin  H pres which is Hman is a the differences of pressure head position which

measured the pressure and the turbine shaft bar. As using the experimental table, H man  0.20m
(if the pressure decreasing at the turbine point out which cause by the mixer which count as an
available head, Hman can be calculated as the height differences between the pressure gauging
point position and the point of water level at the outflow of reservoir) is a kinetic parameter
which cause by water velocity, vm (in m / s), at the pressure gauging location, where the pipe

section is Sm (this value is not S and v value at the inlet section). H kin  vm / 2 g , where as g is
2

the gravity constant (9.81m/s2) and vm=Q/Sm. H pres  m /  is a resultant parameter from water

pressure,  m (in unit N / m2) as measured by pressure gauging. In calculation table, the readable
gauging value which has been read by four gauging, all the readable value from the calculation
can be added by the related values, vm, Hman, Hkin, Hpres, Htot, Phyd, which has been described first.
This following relationship, has been used to calculated the value of mechanical power out, Pmec
(usually in watt), Pmec  c  2n / 60 , where as  , is the turbine angular velocity (in rad / s), n
is a turbine average velocity obtain by reader equipment (RPM) and c is a braking torque
velocity at the turbine shaft as obtain by reader equipment (Nm). Lastly, the turbine overall
 P 
efficiency,    mec  is calculated as the ratio of power at outlet point compared to the

 Phyd 
generated power. Last table arrangement for the experimental value and the calculation value
(for each z) can be explained in a provided table.
5.0 EQUIPMENTS

Francis Turbine equipment

6.0 PROCEDURES

The delivery control shutter closed.

The distributor leverage at the chosen value (50% and 100%) was fixed.
The delivery control shutter was opened until desired flow rate.
The reading of pressure (𝜌𝑚), speed (n), flow rate (Q), and voltage (v) for each
distributor leverage value in Table 6.1 was recorded.
Step 3 – 4 steps were repeated with different distributor leverage value.

PRECAUTION : Must ensure the delivery control shutter should be closed before switch
on the equipment. Carelessness may cause equipment damage.
7.0 SAMPLE DATA

Sm= 1256mm2 Hmm=0.20m

Z Pressure Flowrat Speed, Voltage Current Reading Current Average Average Average Average Average
Pm e Q n V I Reading Pm Q n V I
I

(%) (bar) (m2/h) (PRM) (volt) (ampere) (%)

0.87 13.5 5624 23.2 0.00 0
0.82 14.3 5598 19.6 0.72 25
50 0.75 15.5 4725 15.9 1.59 50 0.76 14.72 4478.40 15.88 1.36
0.71 15.0 3718 11.9 1.95 75
0.66 15.3 2727 8.8 2.52 100
0.90 13.1 5989 23.0 0.00 0
0.86 14.1 5380 18.8 0.68 25
100 0.79 14.9 4360 14.6 1.44 50 0.80 14.52 4345.20 14.98 1.26
0.74 14.8 3564 11.5 1.85 75
0.71 15.7 2433 7.0 2.35 100

Table 7.1 : Results of Francis Turbine Experiment

 Sm= 1256mm2 Hmm=0.20m

Z Cerrent Electrical Pipe Flowrate Water Distance Kinetic Pressure Total Mechanical Hydraulic Efficiency
Reading Power Cross Qx10-3 Speed Between Hkin Hpres Head Power Power Pm/Phyd
I Pel Section Vm Turbine Shaft & Htot Pm Phyd
Sm Pressure Tap
Hman

(%) (%) (w) (m2) (m3/s) (m/s) (m) (m) (m) (m) (watt) (watt) (watt)
0 3.75 2.986 0.454 8.859 9.514 588.944 350.346 0.595
25 3.97 3.163 0.51 8.35 9.06 586.221 353.409 0.603
50 50 4.31 3.428 0.599 7.637 8.436 494.801 356.696 0.721
75 4.17 3.317 0.561 7.23 7.991 389.348 326.968 0.84
100 4.25 3.384 0.584 6.721 7.505 285.571 313.203 1.097
98.2 0.001256 0.20
0 3.64 2.897 0.428 9.165 9.793 627.167 349.934 0.558
25 3.92 3.118 0.496 8.758 9.453 561.088 363.588 0.648
100 50 4.14 3.295 0.553 8.045 8.798 456.578 357.596 0.783
75 4.11 3.273 0.546 7.536 8.282 373.221 334.341 0.896
100 4.36 3.472 0.614 7.23 8.045 254.783 344.52 1.352

Table 7.2 : Results of Francis Turbine Experiment

8.0 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS, EQUATIONS USED

A) DATA at Z = 50%

Pressure, Pm (N/m2)
* 1 bar = 100kPa = 100000 Pa = 100000N/m2

At current reading, I = 0
= 0.87 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 87000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 25
= 0.82 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 82000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 50
= 0.75 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 75000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 75
= 0.71 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 71000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 100

= 0.62 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 66000 N/m2

Flow rate, Q (m3/s)

At current reading, I = 0, 13.5 m3 x 1 h = 3.75 x 10-3 m3/s
h 3600s

At current reading, I = 25, 14.3 m3 x 1 h = 3.97 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600s
At current reading, I = 50, 15.5 m3 x 1 h = 4.31 x 10-3 m3/s
h 3600 s

At current reading, I = 75, 15.0 m3 x 1 h = 4.17 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

At current Reading, I =100, 15.3 m3 x 1 h = 4.25 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

Water Speed, Vm (m/s)

At current reading, I = 0, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.75 x 10-3/ 0.001256 = 2.986 m/s

At current reading, I = 25, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.75 x 10-3/ 0.001256 = 2.986 m/s

At current reading, I = 50, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.75 x 10-3/ 0.001256 = 2.986 m/s

At current reading, I = 75, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.75 x 10-3 / 0.001256 = 2.986 m/s

At current Reading, I =100, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.75 x 10-3/ 0.001256 = 2.986 m/s

Kinetic, Hkin (m)

At current reading, I = 0, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (2.986) 2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.454 m

At current reading, I = 25, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.163) 2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.510 m

At current reading, I = 50, Hkin = Vm2/ 2g = (3.428) 2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.599 m

At current reading, I = 75, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.317) 2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.561 m

At current Reading, I =100, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.384) 2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.584 m

Pressure, Hpres (m)
At current reading, I = 0, Hpres = Pm / γ = 87000 = 8.859 m
9820

At current reading, I = 25, Hpres = Pm / γ = 82000 = 8.350 m

9820

At current reading, I = 50, Hpres = Pm / γ = 75000 = 7.637 m

9820

At current reading, I = 75, Hpres = Pm / γ = 71000 = 7.230 m

9820

At current Reading, I =100, Hpres = Pm / γ = 66000 = 6.721 m

9820

Total Head, Htot (m)

At current reading, I = 0, Htot = Hman + Hkit + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.454 + 8.859 = 9.514 m

At current reading, I = 25, Htot = Hman + Hkit + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.510 + 8.350 = 9.060 m

At current reading, I = 50, Htot = Hman + Hkit + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.599 + 7.637 = 8.436 m

At current reading, I = 75, Htot = Hman + Hkit + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.561 + 7.230 = 7.991 m

At current Reading, I =100, Htot = Hman + Hkit + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.584 + 6.721 = 7.505 m

Mechanical Power, Pm (watt)

At current reading, I = 0, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(5624) = 588.944 watt

At current reading, I = 25, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(5598) = 586.221 watt

At current reading, I = 50, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(4725) = 494.801 watt

At current reading, I = 75, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(3718) = 389.348 watt

At current reading, I =100, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(2727) = 285.571 watt

Hydraulic Power, Phyd (watt)
At current reading, I = 0, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(9.514)(3.75 x 10-3) = 350.346 watt

At current reading, I = 25, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(9.060)(3.75 x 10-3) = 353.409 watt

At current reading, I = 50, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(8.436)(3.75 x 10-3) = 356.696 watt

At current reading, I = 75, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(7.991)(3.75 x 10-3) = 326.968 watt

At current reading, I =100, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(7.991)(3.75 x 10-3) = 313.203 watt

Efficiency, Pm / Phyd (watt)

At current reading, I = 0, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (588.944 / 350.346) x 100 = 0.595 watt

At current reading, I = 25, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (586.221 / 353.409) x 100 = 0.603 watt

At current reading, I = 50, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (494.801 / 356.696) x 100 = 0.721 watt

At current reading, I = 75, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (389.348 / 326.968) x 100 = 0.840 watt

At current reading, I =100, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (285.571 / 313.203) x 100 = 1.097 watt

Average Data at Z = 50%

i) Average of Pressure, Pm (N/m2)
= (87000 + 82000 + 75000 + 71000 + 66000) / 5
= 76200 N/m2

ii) Average of Flowrate, Q (m3/s)

= (3.75 + 3.97 + 4.31 + 4.17 + 4.25) /5 x (10-3 m3/s)
= 4.09 x 10-3 m3/s

iii) Average of Speed, n (RPM)

= (5624 + 5598 + 4725 + 3718 + 2727) /5
= 4478.4
iv) Average of Voltage, V (volt)
= (23.20 + 19.60 + 15.90 + 11.90 + 8.80) / 5
= 15.88 volt

v) Average of Current reading, I (ampere)

= (0 + 0.72 + 1.59 + 1.95 + 2.52) / 5
= 1.356 Ampere

B) DATA at Z = 100%
Pressure, Pm (N/m2)
* 1 bar = 100kPa = 100000 Pa = 100000N/m2

At current reading, I =0
= 0.90 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 90000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 25
= 0.86 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 86000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 50
= 0.79 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 79000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 75
= 0.74 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 74000 N/m2

At current reading, I = 100

= 0.71 bar x 100000 N/m2
= 71000 N/m2
Flow rate, Q (m3/s)
At current reading, I = 0, 13.10 m3 x 1 h = 3.64 x 10-3 m3/s
h 3600 s

At current reading, I = 25, 14.10 m3 x 1 h = 3.92 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

At current reading, I = 50, 14.9 m3 x 1 h = 4.14 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

At current reading, I = 75, 14.8 m3 x 1 h = 4.11 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

At current Reading, I =100, 15.7 m3 x 1 h = 4.36 x 10-3 m3/s

h 3600 s

Water Speed, Vm (m/s)

At current reading, I = 0, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.64 x 10 -3 / 0.001256 = 2.897 m/s

At current reading, I = 25, Vm = Q / Sm = 3.92 x 10 -3 / 0.001256 = 3.118 m/s

At current reading, I = 50, Vm = Q / Sm = 4.14 x 10 -3 / 0.001256 = 3.295 m/s

At current reading, I = 75, Vm = Q / Sm = 4.11 x 10 -3 / 0.001256 = 3.273 m/s

At current Reading, I =100, Vm = Q / Sm = 4.36 x 10 -3 / 0.001256 = 3.472 m/s

Kinetic, Hkin (m)

At current reading, I = 0, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (2.897)2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.428 m

At current reading, I = 25, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.118)2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.496 m

At current reading, I = 50, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.295)2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.553 m

At current reading, I = 75, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.273)2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.546 m

At current Reading, I =100, Hkin = Vm2 / 2g = (3.472)2 / (2 x 9.81) = 0.614 m

Pressure, Hpres (m)

At current reading, I = 0, Hpres = Pm / γ = 90000 = 9.793 m
9820

At current reading, I = 25, Hpres = Pm / γ = 86000 = 9.453 m

9820

At current reading, I = 50, Hpres = Pm / γ = 79000 = 8.798m

9820

At current reading, I = 75, Hpres = Pm / γ = 74000 = 8.282 m

9820

At current Reading, I =100, Hpres = Pm / γ = 71000 = 8.045 m

9820

Total Head, Htot (m)

At current reading, I = 0, Htot = Hman + Hkin + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.428 + 9.165 = 9.793 m

At current reading, I = 25, Htot = Hman + Hkin + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.496 + 8.758 = 9.453 m

At current reading, I = 50, Htot = Hman + Hkin + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.553 + 8.045 = 8.798 m

At current reading, I = 75, Htot = Hman + Hkin + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.546 + 7.536 = 8.282 m

At current Reading, I =100, Htot = Hman + Hkin + Hpres = 0.20 + 0.614 + 7.230 = 8.045 m

Mechanical Power, Pm (watt)

At current reading, I = 0, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(5989) = 627.167 watt

At current reading, I = 25, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(5358) = 561.088 watt

At current reading, I = 50, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(4360) = 456.578 watt

At current reading, I = 75, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(3564) = 373.221 watt

At current reading, I =100, Pm = 2πn / 60 = 2π(2433) = 254.783 watt

Hydraulic Power, Phyd (watt)

At current reading, I = 0, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(9.793)(2.897 x 10-3) = 349.934 watt

At current reading, I = 25, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(9.453)(3.118 x 10-3) = 363.588watt

At current reading, I = 50, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(8.798)(3.295 x 10-3) = 357.596 watt

At current reading, I = 75, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(8.282)(3.273 x 10-3) = 334.341 watt

At current reading, I =100, Phyd = γHtotQ = (9820)(8.045)(3.472 x 10-3) = 344.520 watt

Efficiency, Pm / Phyd (watt)

At current reading, I = 0, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (627.167 / 349.934) x 100 = 0.558watt

At current reading, I = 25, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (561.088 / 363.588) x 100 = 0.648 watt

At current reading, I = 50, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (456.578 / 357.596) x 100 = 0.783 watt

At current reading, I = 75, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (373.221 / 334.341) x 100 = 0.896 watt

At current reading, I =100, (Pm / Phyd) x 100 = (254.783 / 344.520) x 100 = 1.352 watt

Average Data at Z = 100%

i) Average of Pressure, Pm (N/m2)
= (90000 + 86000 + 79000 + 74000 + 71000) / 5
= 80000 N/m2

ii) Average of Flowrate, Q (m3/s)

= (3.64 + 3.92 + 4.14 + 4.11 + 4.36) /5 x (10-3 m3/s)
= 4.034 x 10-3 m3/s

iii) Average of Speed, n (RPM)

 = (5989 + 5358 + 4360 + 3564 + 2433) /5
= 4340.8

iv) Average of Voltage, V (volt)

= (23.0 + 18.8 + 14.6+ 11.5 + 7.0) / 5
= 14.98 volt

v) Average of Current reading, I (ampere)

= (0 + 0.68 + 1.44 + 1.85 + 2.35) / 5
= 1.264 Ampere

9.0 QUESTIONS
1. .Plot a graph of :

a. Turbine velocity versus flow rate

Graph Turbine Velocity Against Flowrate

Vm (m/s) ,
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.3
Z=50%
3.2
Z=100%
3.1
Linear (Z=50%)
3.0
Linear (Z=100%)
2.9
2.8
3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 , Qx10-3
b. Turbine velocity versus output torque

Graph Turbine Velocity Against Output Torque

Vm(m/s) ,
3.5
3.4
3.3
Z-50%
3.2
Z-100%
3.1
Poly. (Z-50%)
3.0
Poly. (Z-100%)
2.9
2.8 , Output
Torque
7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

c. Turbine velocity versus hydraulic power

Graph Turbine Velocity Against Hydraulic Power

Vm(m/s) , 3.5
3.4
3.3 Z-50%
3.2 Z-100%
3.1 Poly. (Z-50%)
3.0 Poly. (Z-100%)

2.9
2.8
, Phyd (watt)
300 320 340 360 380
 d. Turbine velocity versus mechanical power
Graph Turbine Velocity Against Mechanical Power

Vm(m/s) , 3.6

3.5
3.4
Z-50%
3.3
3.2 Z-100%

3.1 Poly. (Z-50%)

3.0 Poly. (Z-100%)

2.9
2.8
200 300 400 500 600 , Pm (watt)

e. Turbine velocity versus efficiency.

Graph Turbine Velocity Against Efficiency
Vm(m/s) , 3.5
3.4
3.3
Z-50%
3.2
Z-100%
3.1
Poly. (Z-50%)
3.0
Poly. (Z-100%)
2.9
2.8
0.3 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.3 1.5 , Pm/Phyd

2. Give your comment(s) from the graph obtained.

From the turbine velocity against flow rate, the flow rate increased accordingly to
turbine velocity. For the 2nd, the output torque is increased when the velocity reduced
and this happened to graph velocity against hydraulic power also graph velocity
against mechanical power as well. Graph velocity against efficiency shown that with
the increased of velocity, the efficiency (Pm/Phyd) has increased accordingly.
 3. State five (5) safety factors that have been taken in the experiment
 Make sure that the power is turn on before any work is carried out.
 Make sure all the equipment is in good condition before work and after work
done.
 Make sure that the distributor leverage is lift up or down correctly.
 Read the constant value of data carefully.
 Checks the sample data taken for accuracy.

10.0 DISCUSSSION

From these experiment, we can see the relationship between the head (m), flow rate (Q),
velocity (v), speed (n), power efficiency of a Francis Turbine. In Francis Turbine, water flow is
radial into the turbine and exits the Turbine axially. Water pressure decreases as it passes through
the turbine imparting reaction on the turbine blades making the turbine rotate. The function of
turbines is to get electricity converted from natural hydraulic power. Francis turbine may also be
used for pumped storage, where a reservoir is filled by the turbine (acting as a pump) during low
power demand and then reserved and used to generate power during peak demand.
Francis Turbines are generally installed with their axis vertical. Water with high head (pressure)
enters the turbine through the spiral casing surrounding the guide vanes. The water loses a part of
its pressure in the volute (spiral casing) to maintain its speed. Then water passes through guide
vanes where it is directed to strike the blades on the runner at optimum angles. As the water
flows through the runner its pressure and angular momentum reduces. This reduction imparts
reaction on the runner and power is transferred to the turbine shaft.
If the turbine is operating at the design conditions the water leaves the runner in axial direction.
Water exits the turbine through the draft tube, which acts as a diffuser and reduces the exit
velocity of the flow to recover maximum energy from the flowing water.
11.0 CONCLUSION

The experiment objective is achieve. In producing the highest power through turbines, all
factors must be taken. The same flow rate produces a different velocity. While the velocity of
water will produce a different power and efficiency according to the different capabilities of the
turbine. Factor such as the flow rate, velocity, power and efficiency of this interaction and should
be taken into account. Results of experiment showed the relationship between head, flow rate,
velocity, power and efficiency were produce the desired energy. Aperture-opening in these
experiments show differences and advantages between an aperture so that we can to reflect the
actual operating situation of a Francis Turbine.

12.0 REFERENCE

1. Mifflin, Boston, MA.White, F.M. (1994). Fluid Mechanics, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill,Inc., New
York, NY.
2. R. E. Featherstone, C. Naluri. (1995.) Civil Engineering Hydraulics. Bodmin,
Cornwall:Blackwell Science
3. http://www.brighthubengineering.com/fluid-mechanics-hydraulics/27407-hydraulic-turbines-
francis-turbine/