Chapter 7.

Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

CHAPTER - 7
7.1 Practical Performed for 100% Gate Opening

7.1.1 Objectives
To study the performance of Francis turbine under constant head and hence
to plot its performance characteristics.

7.1.2 Relevance
Turbines are designed for a specific speed condition of head, speed and
output, but the actually required condition is quite different. It is hence desirable
to have complete information about the performance of the turbine under all
possible operating condition. Experiment is therefore conducted on the
manufactured turbine in the laboratory before being supplied to the user. These
performance curves are known as the characteristics curves.

7.1.3 Apparatus
Francis turbine with rope brake dynamometer, centrifugal pump,
Venturimeter, pressure gauges and Tachometer.

7.1.4 Technical Specification

Name plate details
1.Francis turbine
a.Size:100 mm
b. Type :50
c. H : 15 m
d.Q : 2000 lpm
e. P : 3.75 kw
f. N : 1250 rpm
g. brake drum diameter : 330mm
2. Supply Pump
a. Size : 100 × 100 mm
b. Head : 15 m
c. Q : 2000lpm
d. Power : 11 kw
e. N : 2880 r.p.m.
3. Flow Measuring unit
a. size of venturimeter: 100 mm
b. throat diameter: 60 mm

127
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

7.1.5 Theory
It is an inward radial flow reaction turbine. It consists of a runner, a ring of
adjustable guide vanes, a spiral casing a draft tube and a mechanism for
changing the opening of guide vanes the runner consists of two shrouds with a
number of curved vanes.
The guide vanes are pivoted and can be rotated about its pivot centre. The
guide vanes opening can be adjusted by means of hand wheel and link
mechanism.The position of the guide vanes are indicated by a pair of dummy
guide vanes fixed outside the turbine. A centrifugal pump supplies water under
pressure to the turbine and the flow from pump can be controlled by means of
the valve fitted at the pipe line.
Water under pressure enters in to the runner through the guide vanes the
exit of the runner and tail race are connected by means of draft tube which
enable torecover a portion of the kinetic energy that otherwise would have been
wasted.
It is suitable for medium head and has a specific speed range of 60 to 300.

7.1.6 Procedure
1. Keep the turbine under no load condition.
2. Start the pump after priming.
3. Adjust the gate valve to set a suitable supply head keeping the guide
vanes fully opened.
4. Load the turbine gradually and for each load note down spring balance
readings, rpm supply and delivery pressure gauge readings and manometer
reading.
5. Repeat the experiment at 2/5 and 4/5 of the guide vane openings.
6. Take 6 reading for each opening.

7.1.7 Data
a) Brake drum radius = 0.165 m
b) Pipe diameter = 0.1m
c) Pressure gauge difference height =0.23m
d) Co-efficient of discharge =0.97
e) Venturimeter constant K = a1a2/�𝑎12 − 𝑎22 −𝑎12 = 3.036 × 10-3
De/di =0.60

7.1.8 Graphs
Efficiency Vs unit speed, unit discharge Vs unit speed and unit power Vs
unit speed.

7.1.9 Exercise
Analyze the importance of plotting the performance curves and diagram
conclusions from the curves obtained.
128
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

7.1.10 Sample Calculations

Opening of value Full opening 100%.
𝑠 13.6
H=hm ( 𝑚 − 1)= 0.96 ×( − 1) = 12.6 m of water.
𝑠 1
1. Discharge (Q):
Q = cd .k .�2𝑔𝐻

Q= 0.97×3.036×10¯3×√2×9.81×12.6 =0.045 m³/sec.

2. Velocity (V):
𝑄 0.045×4
V= 𝑣 = ( ) = 5.732 m/sec.
𝐴 𝜋×0.1²

3. Total head(H):

𝑣² (5.732)²
= = 1.67m/sec.
2𝑔 2×9.81

H=p/γ + V²/2g +Z =12.43 -0.2=12.23 m of water.

4. Water power = w.p.

9810×0.045×12.23
w.p = = 5.4 KW
1000

5. Brake power:
2𝜋𝑁𝑇 2𝜋×1262×24.279
B.P= = = 3.21kw
60000 60000

B.P = 3.21 KW

6. Efficiency(η %):
𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 3.21
(η) = = = 59 %
𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 5.4

7. Unit power (Pu) :

𝑃 3.21
Pu = = = 0.0750
𝐻 3/2 12.233/2

129
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

8. Unit discharge
𝑄 0.045
Qu = = = 0.0128
√𝐻 √12.23

9. Unit speed (Nu):

𝑁 1262
Nu = = = 360.866
√𝐻 √12.23

7.1.11 Observation, Result tables and Characteristic curves

Observation Table: 1
Supply Pressure
Suction pressure
reading Speed
Sr.
in rpm cm of Diff
No. 2 m of cm of hg
kg / cm (N) hg (cm of
water (right) m of water
(left) hg)
1 1.225 12.55 1262 27.4 26.5 0.9 0.1223
2 1.35 13.5 1490 27.2 26.7 0.5 0.068
3 1.425 14.25 1674 28.8 23 5.8 0.7888
4 1.1 11 1350 26.5 25.9 0.6 0.0816
5 1 10 1314 26.5 25.8 0.7 0.0952
6 1 10 1380 26.5 25 1.5 0.204
7 1 10 1322 27.6 26 1.6 0.2176
8 1 10 1294 25.4 27 -1.6 -0.2176
9 1 10 1182 27.8 24 3.8 0.5168
Table (7.1) Observation table - 1

Observation Table: 2
Spring Balance Manometer Reading Pressure
diff.
TS SS Diff. Diff. Diff. (Venturi)
Left Right
“X” h in m of
Kg Kg Kg. N (cm) (cm)
in m w
16 1 15 147.15 2.5 98.5 0.96 12.1
14 0.75 13.25 129.9825 3.5 97.8 0.943 11.88
12 0.7 11.3 110.853 4.5 96.8 0.923 11.63
12 0.65 11.35 111.3435 10.5 90.5 0.8 10.08
10 0.6 9.4 92.214 15.5 85.5 0.7 8.82
8 0.5 7.5 73.575 18.2 82.4 0.642 8.09
6 0.45 5.55 54.4455 24 77 0.53 6.68
4 0.15 3.85 37.7685 29 72.2 0.432 5.44
2 0.1 1.9 18.639 35 66 0.31 3.91
Table (7.2) Observation table – 2

130
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Computation Table -1
Sr. Guide Discharge Velocity Pressure Velocity Unit Unit
3
No. vane m /sec of head head Power Discharge
opening water (m of (m of Pu Qu
m/s. water) water)
1 100% 0.045 5.732 12.43 1.67 0.074141 0.012815
2 100% 0.045 5.732 13.43 1.67 0.069408 0.012372
3 100% 0.44 5.605 13.46 1.6 0.066273 0.120832
4 100% 0.041 5.223 10.92 1.39 0.074077 0.012522
5 100% 0.039 4.968 9.9 1.26 0.069181 0.012522
6 100% 0.037 4.713 9.8 1.13 0.058834 0.011942
7 100% 0.034 4.331 9.78 0.96 0.041819 0.010985
8 100% 0.03 3.822 10.22 0.74 0.026484 0.009477
9 100% 0.026 3.312 9.48 0.56 0.013442 0.008535
Table (7.3) Computation table – 1
Computation Table -2
Potential Total Water Brake Efficiency Unit
head head power power η Speed
(m of water) (m of (W.P.) KW (S.P.) kW % Nu
water)
-0.2 12.33 5.4 3.21 59 359.3998
-0.2 13.23 5.84 3.34 57 409.6438
-0.2 13.26 5.72 3.2 56 459.7097
-0.2 10.72 4.31 2.6 60 412.3219
-0.2 9.7 3.71 2.09 56 421.9
-0.2 9.6 3.48 1.75 50 445.3931
-0.2 9.58 3.2 1.24 39 427.1188
-0.2 10.02 2.95 0.84 28 408.7901
-0.2 9.28 2.37 0.38 16 388.0105
Table (7.4) Computation table – 2
0.014

0.012

0.01

0.008
Qu

0.006

0.004

0.002

0
360 380 400 420 440 460 480
Nu

131
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Fig.(7.1) Graph of Unit discharge Vs. Unit speed

0.09
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
Pu

0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
0 100 200 300 400 500

Nu
Fig.(7.2) Graph of Unit power Vs Unit speed

70

60

50

40
η%

30

20

10

0
0 100 200 300 400 500
Nu

Fig.(7.3) Graph of EfficiencyVs Unit speed

132
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

7.2 Practical Performed for Different Gate Opening

7.2.1 Aim: To study the performance of Francis turbine & to plot its
performance characteristics.
Given data:
Brake drum radius = 0.165 m
Pipe diameter = 0.1m
Pressure gauge difference height = 0.23m
Co-efficient of discharge = 0.97
Ventorineterconstant k = 3.036 ×10¯3

7.2.2 SampleCalculations: (calculation 19th reading ).

1. Discharge (Q):
Q = Cdk(�2𝑔ℎ) m3/sec.
H = height difference in cm of hg.

2. Total head (H):

= Pressure Head difference +level difference of pressure gauges neglecting
velocity head diff.
= supply pressure (kg/cm2)×10 –(vacuum gauge reading in mm of hg)×0.0136
+0.07

ρg QH
3. Input power = kw
1000

2 πNT
4. Brake power = kw
60000

N�p
5. Specific speed (Ns) = r.p.m
H5/4

P
6. Unit power (Pu) =
H3/2

Q
7. Unit discharge (Qu) = m3/sec.
√H

N
8. Unit speed (Nu) =
√H

Opening of value = 50%

𝑠 13.6
1Discharge (Q): H=hm ( 𝑚 − 1)= 0.488×( − 1) = 6.1488 m of water.
𝑠 1
1. Discharge (Q):

133
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Q = cd .k .�2𝑔ℎ)
Q= 0.97×3.036×10-3×√2 × 9.81 × 6.1488 =0.0323 m³/sec.

2. Velocity (V)
Q 0.0323×4
V= v = ( ) = 4.118m/sec.
A π×0.1²

3. Total head(H)
H= (1×10)-((-50) ×(0.0136))+0.07 =10.75m

4. Water power = w.p

9810×0.0323×10.75
w.p = =3.40 KW
1000

5. Brake power =B.p

2𝜋𝑁𝑇 2𝜋×1000×104.96×0 .165
B.P= = =1.81 kW
60000 60000

6. Efficiency (η %):
B.P 1.81
η= = = 53.2 %
W.P 3.40

7. Specific speed (Ns):

𝑁×√𝑃 1000×√1.81
Ns= = 5 = 69.11r.p.m.
H5/4 10.75
4

8. Unit Power (Pu):

𝑃 1.81
Pu= 3/2 = 3= 0.0513
H 10.75
2

9. Unit discharge Qu:

𝑄 0.0323
Qu = = = 0.00985
√𝐻 √10.75

10. Unit speed Nu:

𝑁
Nu =
√𝐻
1000
Nu = = 304.99 = 305
√10.75

134
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

7.2.3 Input Data and result tables for Different Gate openings and its
Characteristic curves

Observation Table: 3
Sr. Guide Pres Value Speed Spring balance Manometer
N Vane sure gauge in rpm Reading
o Positi- Ga- read.
on uge mm of TS SS Diff. Diff. Left Right Diff
Kg/ Hg Kg. Kg. Kg. N. (cm) (cm) (cm0
cm²
1 25% 1 50 1200 7 2 5 49.05 58.7 25.6 33.1
2 1 35 1100 9 3.3 5.7 55.91 59 25.3 33.7
3 1 45 1000 12 4 8 78.48 60.1 24.4 35.7
4 1 25 900 14.3 4.6 9.7 95.15 61.1 23 38.1
5 1 35 800 14 3.3 10.7 104.96 61.5 22 39.5
6 1 40 700 15 3.5 11.5 112.81 62 22.5 39.5
7 1 40 600 16.4 3.7 12.7 124.58 62.4 22 40.4
8 1 50 500 17.3 3.7 13.6 133.41 62.5 21.8 39.7
9 50% 1 50 1200 10 1.5 8.5 83.38 66.7 17.5 49.2
10 1 50 1100 10.5 1.1 9.4 92.21 67.6 16.6 51
11 1 50 1000 12 1 11 107.91 67.7 16.7 51
12 1 50 900 12.5 1.2 11.3 110.81 68.1 16.4 51.7
13 1 50 800 13.5 1.4 12.1 118.70 68.2 16 52.2
14 1 50 700 14.6 1.6 13 127.5 68.2 16.1 52.1
15 1 50 600 15 1.8 13.2 129.79 67 16 51
16 1 50 500 16.2 1.9 14.3 140.28 67.8 16.2 51.6
17 75% 1 60 1200 11.2 2.8 8.4 82.4 66.1 18.4 87.7
18 1 40 1100 13 2.7 10.3 101.04 66.8 17.9 48.6
19 1 50 1000 13.2 2.5 10.7 104.96 66.6 17.8 48.8
20 1 30 900 17 2.4 14.6 143.22 67 17.3 49.7
21 1 40 800 15.4 2.7 12.7 124.58 67.5 16.8 50.7
22 1 45 700 17 2.9 14.1 138.38 67.6 16.7 50.9
23 1 45 600 18 2.8 15.2 149.11 67.6 16.7 50.9
24 1 35 500 19 3 16 136.96 67.6 16.7 50.9

Table (7.5)Observation for different openings (25%,50%,75%).

135
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Result Table:1

Sr. Guide vane Q Total head Water Brake

N0. Position (m3/sec) (m) Power Power
(%) (KW) (KW)
1 25% 0.0266 10.82 2.823 1.0165
2 0.0268 10.03 2.637 1.062
3 0.0276 10.68 2.891 1.355
4 0.0285 10.41 2.910 1.47
5 0.0291 10.456 2.984 1.450
6 0.0291 10.61 3.02 1.363
7 0.0294 10.61 3.06 1.290
8 0.0291 10.75 3.06 1.1521
9 50% 0.0324 10.75 3.416 1.727
10 0.0330 10.75 3.480 1.751
11 0.0330 10.75 3.480 1.863
12 0.0332 10.75 3.501 1.722
13 0.0334 10.75 3.522 1.639
14 0.0334 10.75 3.522 1.541
15 0.0330 10.75 3.48 1.339
16 0.0332 10.75 3.501 1.211
17 75% 0.0433 10.88 4.62 1.707
18 0.0322 10.61 3.45 1.919
19 0.0323 10.75 3.40 1.812
20 0.0326 10.47 3.348 2.22
21 0.0329 10.61 3.424 1.721
22 0.0330 10.68 3.457 1.672
23 0.0330 10.68 3.457 1.545
24 0.0330 10.54 3.412 1.182

Table (7.6)Computation Table for different openings (25%,50%,75%)

136
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Result Table:2

Sr. Specific Unit Unit Unit η

No. Power Discharge Speed
Speed Pu Qu Nu %
R.P.M.
1 61.652524 0.028561 0.008087 364.8107 36.00779
2 63.50805 0.033433 0.008462 347.3299 40.27304
3 60.29143 0.038822 0.008445 305.995 46.8696
4 58.356302 0.043766 0.008833 278.9441 50.51546
5 51.235033 0.042886 0.008999 247.4043 48.59249
6 42.677772 0.039439 0.008934 214.9019 45.13245
7 35.58786 0.037326 0.009026 184.2017 42.15686
8 27.571127 0.032687 0.008875 152.4986 37.65033
9 81.015261 0.048998 0.009882 365.9966 50.55621
10 74.778229 0.049679 0.010065 335.4969 50.31609
11 70.120636 0.052857 0.010065 304.9971 53.53448
12 60.673424 0.048856 0.010126 274.4974 49.18595
13 52.616128 0.046501 0.010187 243.9977 46.53606
14 44.6415 0.043721 0.010187 213.498 43.75355
15 35.668181 0.03799 0.010065 182.9983 38.47701
16 28.267116 0.034358 0.010126 152.4986 34.59012
17 79.343597 0.047565 0.013127 363.8034 36.94805
18 79.576703 0.055527 0.009885 337.7031 55.62319
19 69.154193 0.05141 0.009851 304.9971 53.29412
20 71.200926 0.065529 0.010075 278.1437 66.30824
21 54.80702 0.049798 0.0101 245.6022 50.26285
22 46.881566 0.047905 0.010098 214.1965 48.36563
23 38.627929 0.044266 0.010098 183.597 44.69193
24 28.623845 0.034543 0.010165 154.0103 34.64244

Table(7.7)Computation table for different openings (25%,50%,75%)

137
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

0.075

0.065
Pu

0.055 75 % G.O.
50 % G.O.
25 % G.O.
0.045

0.035
153 203 253 303 353 403
Nu

Fig. (7.4) Graph of Unit Power Vs. Unit Speed

0.014

0.012

0.01

0.008
Qu

75% G.O.
0.006 50 % G.O.
25 % G.O.
0.004

0.002

0
153 203 253 303 353 403
Nu

Fig. (7.5) Graph of Unit Discharge Vs. Unit Speed

138
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

69

64

59

54
η%

75 % G.O.
49 50 % G.O.
25 % G.O.
44

39

34
153 203 253 303 353 403
Nu

Fig. (7.6)Graph of EfficiencyVs. Unit Speed

7.2.4 Conclusion
Under full load condition the turbine works efficiently as compared to part
load. This is evident from the graph of efficiency Vs unit speed here as the load
increases the efficiency increases which results in less unit speed is less speed is
required to produce 1 KW power.
Also for a particular flow the efficiency is maximum for a particular
opening. The efficiency increases. Here as we move from 25% to 75% opening
the efficiency increasing.Also as load increases the unit power increases as
expected. (this is due to the fact that as load increases efficiency increases
which curves increases in unit power)

1. Why the runner runs full of water in Francis turbine?

Runner of turbine has passages formed between crown& shroud in one
direction& two consecutive blades on other. Runner in enclosed in a casing. The
casing has a shape such that its area reduces gradually. Now the water entering
the casing enters the runner through the guide vanes & the remaining water runs
forward towards the other vane. So in this way runner runs full of water.

139
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

2. Why it is known as reaction turbine?

In Francis turbine not au the pressure of water in the nozzle is converted to
K.E. there is only partial pressure converted while remaining pressure is
reduced to atmospheric in the runner. Thus the runner rotates because of
velocity of jet & pressure of water. Thus it is known as reaction turbine.

3. What is function of guide vanes &Draft tube ?

These are arranged in the casing to from a number of flow passages
between the casing &runner. The guide vanes direct the water into the runner at
an angle approximate to the design.

DRAFT TUBE:
After passing through runner the water is discharged to the tail race
through draft tube. It is a gradually expending tube &is submerged deep into the
tailrace because of this the discharge velocity from the turbine runner is not
high.

1. How is governing of Francis turbine done?

The governing mechanism changes the position of guide blades to affect a
vertical In the water flow rate in the wake of changing load conditions on the
turbine. The system consist of a centrifugal governing mechanism linkages
servomotor with its oil pressure governor & guide wheel when the load changes
the governing mechanism water au the guides blades about their axes through
the same angle so that the water flow rate to the runner & its direction remain
the same.

2. Why the draft tube is provided to the reaction turbine?

We know that the casing is completely enclosed so that the pressure inside
can be used for rotating the rotor. Now the water often passing through has to be
discharged through the tailrace. This is done by a gradually expending tube
know as draft tube. The free end is submerged in water so the waterpassage is
totally closed& does not communicate with atmosphere also its gradually
increasing cross section lowers the velocity the velocity of the water.

3. Discuss shows of draft tube & working principle

Following are the different types of draft tube which are computably used.
Conical draft tube:
It is the simplest type of draft tube it requires space to instill.
Moudy spreading tube:
It is most efficient tube but is difficult to construct.
Draft tube with circular inlet & rectilinear outlet:
It is requires very less space is difficult to construct.

140
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Fig.(7.7) Francis turbine operating by water from centrifugal pump:

141
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Fig. (7.8) Francis turbine explained the water inter radial:

142
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Fig.(7.9) Francis turbine explained the change the guide van by the level

143
 Chapter 7. Performance Characteristics of Francis Turbine Based on Practical

Fig.(7.10) Types of draft tube; (a) straight-conical ; (b) bell-mouth; (c) curved.

Fig.(7.11) Basic dimensions of curved draft tube (a) side view.

144