Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)

MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Mech 3504 Thermofluids Lab

Centrifugal Pump and Water Turbine Experiment

Abdallah Alshantaf
214999007

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Contents
Table of figures ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction, Background & Objectives........................................................................................................ 3
Experimental Apparatus & Method .............................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Experimental Apparatus ..................................................................................................................... 4
Flow calculations ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Experimental Method ......................................................................................................................... 7
Experiment 1- Pump performance and efficiency: ............................................................................... 7
Experiment 2 – Pelton Wheel Turbine performance and efficiency: ................................................... 7
Experiment 3 – Francis Turbine performance and efficiency: .............................................................. 7
2.3 Experimental Uncertainties ................................................................................................................ 8
Results & Discussion: .................................................................................................................................... 9
Experiment 1- Pump performance and efficiency: ............................................................................... 9
Experiment 2 – Pelton Wheel Turbine performance and efficiency: ................................................. 10
Experiment 3 – Francis Turbine performance and efficiency: ............................................................ 11
Summary & Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 12
References .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

Table of figures
Figure 1: schematic of centrifugal pump ...................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: schematic of Pelton Wheel Turbine ............................................................................................... 4
Figure 3: schematic of Francis Turbine ......................................................................................................... 4
Figure 4: pump’s efficiency curve ................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 5: Pilton wheel power vs RPM ......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 6: Pilton Wheel efficiency vs RPM ................................................................................................... 10
Figure 7:Francis turbine power vs RPM ...................................................................................................... 11
Figure 8: Francis turbine efficiency vs RPM ................................................................................................ 11
Figure 9: uncertainty calculations ............................................................................................................... 17

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Abstract
In this lab, we analyzed different phenomena that impact turbomachinery performance
and efficiencies. At first, we investigated centrifugal pumps and the impact of total head
available on flow rate, by using valves. Then we operated the pump at different speeds to
analyze efficiency of pumps and select best operating point (BOP). Second experiment
investigated Pilton Wheel turbines and the impact of spear valve on the power output and
efficiency of the turbine. Lastly, the third experiment was about Francis Turbines’ efficiencies
and the impact of guide van angles on the performance of such turbines.

Introduction, Background & Objectives

Turbomachinery describes machines that extract or add energy to a fluid using machines
such as, turbines, pumps, fans, compressors, turbos, etc. These machines are all around us and
whether we notice it or not we interact with them, almost daily, from portable fans you carry in
a hot day to large power plants that uses huge turbines to generate energy to the grid. Studying
these machines and analyzing their properties allows engineers to get better performing
devices that are more efficient and more cost effective.
In this lab, we experimented on pumps and different types of turbines to gain a better
understanding of their functions and performances. To compare pumps, and turbines,
dimensionless coefficients are calculated. Flow, head, and power coefficients are calculated
based off set parameters using analytical equations and experimental data. By analyzing
pressure, torque, RPM, velocity and Reynold’s number as variables, we define the system’s
efficiency and performance using the following nondimensional equations:

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Experimental Apparatus & Method

2.1 Experimental Apparatus
- The lab was split into three experiments. The first investigated centrifugal pumps and the
impact of head vs flow rate.

Figure 1: schematic of centrifugal pump

- The second experiment investigated Pelton Wheel Turbines, and measured efficiency and
outlined a performance curve at different impact velocities by using spear valve.

Figure 2: schematic of Pelton Wheel Turbine

- The third experiment was about Francis Turbines’ efficiencies and the impact of guide van
angles on the performance of such turbines.

Figure 3: schematic of Francis Turbine

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

-Water reservoir: water moves from reservoir across a filter through the inlet valve and then
passes through the pump.
-Inlet valve controls the pressure inlet to the pump.
-Delivery valve controls pressure input to the pump.
-Compact centrifugal pump moves the water from the reservoir by converting rotational shaft
power supplied by the dynamometer to the water in the form of hydraulic power, WP (the
product of head (H) and flow rate (Q) across the pump
-Dynamometer rotates the pump’s shaft and displays input power (WD).
-Venture measures the flow rate coming from the pump.
-Turbine (optional) extracts energy from fluid through expansion of fluid to rotate a shaft that is
connected to a generator.
-Turbine dynanometer: controls output shaft power by increasing torque and decreasing
angular velocity.

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Pump experiment
Pumps are energy absorbing devices therefore the energy suppled to the water is less than the
energy delivered to the pump. The ratio between the two is known as pump’s efficiency:

Turbine experiments
Turbines are energy generating devices that convert rotational mechanical energy into useful
power. Different turbines are used for different working environments, so we analyzed two
types of turbines (Pelton Wheel and Francis) under different circumstances and measured their
efficiencies. Turbine efficiency is calculated by finding the ratio of the rotational shaft to the
hydraulic power of fluid in contact.

Flow calculations
To calculate volumetric flow rate (QV) in (m3/s) across the venturi we used the following
equation:

Cd (coefficient of discharge) for venturi is 0.97

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

2.2 Experimental Method

Experiment 1- Pump performance and efficiency:

1. Ensure the pump is always running at speed of 2500 RPM.
2. Gradually shut down the delivery valve at increments of 0.02 bar.
3. Record pressures before and after the pump, P2 and P4 respectively.
4. Difference should give us total head H=P4-P2.
5. Record 𝛥𝑃1 across the venturi to calculate flow.
6. Using the readings, calculate flow rate, hydraulic power, efficiency, non-dimensional coefficients
(flow, head and power), Reynold’s number.

Experiment 2 – Pelton Wheel Turbine performance and efficiency:

1. Open the spear valve to 100%
2. Run the pump to give 70% of maximum possible inlet turbine pressure.
3. Let the turbine run at speed of 1200 rpm.
4. Slowly adjust the turbine dynamometer to slow speed in increments of 200 rpm by increasing
torque.
5. Ensure constant inlet pressure is maintained after each variation.
6. Record power output, varied speed, flow rate, and inlet pressure.
7. Plot results of power output vs RPM, efficiency vs RPM.
8. Adjust spear valve opening to 25%.
9. Repeat steps 2 to 7.

Experiment 3 – Francis Turbine performance and efficiency:

1. Adjust guide vane setting to (100% flow)
2. Set pump inlet and delivery valve to fully open.
3. Run the turbine at maximum speed for experiment for this 2500 RPM.
4. Use dynamometer to increase torque by decreasing speed.
5. Gradually decrease speed at increments of 300 RPM.
6. Record RPM, power, inlet pressure to turbine, output shaft power.
7. Set the guide van setting to 25%.
8. Plot output vs RPM, and efficiency vs RPM.
9. Repeat steps 2 to 8.

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

2.3 Experimental Uncertainties

In this lab, systematic errors were minimized by using properly calibrated instruments of the
highest precision. Instruments are calibrated properly, and values calculated using instruments were
precise. Also, measured values are used to show trend and dependency of certain parameters on others,
systematic errors Pressure transducers were used to measure pressure, venturi flowmeter was used to
measure flow rate in pipes. Dynamometer was used to output the speed of rotating shafts in both the
Pumps and turbines. All the values were used to show trend lines. Correction factors are used for
venturi, which is coefficient of discharge. Random errors of reading measurements from displays were
minimal due to the use of digital displays. In general, to show trends precise measurement are the
concern, and in this lab measurements were precise. Uncertainty can be calculated using RSS formula.

Using the above equation, uncertainty for hydraulic power in Francis turbine at 0.74 bar inlet
pressure was calculated to be 7.3E-4 which is negligible as the uncertainties in our readings are minimal.
Sample calculations found in appendix.

Other sources of errors in the experiment, may be the assumptions made to carry on the experiment.
Such as neglecting height difference across the pump’s inlet and outlet. Neglecting friction losses across
the pipe from venturi until turbine’s entrance.

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Results & Discussion:

Experiment 1- Pump performance and efficiency:
For the first experiment, we measured flow rate by varying the head across a centrifugal
pump and plotted the results as shown in figure 4. Different head values affected the flow rate
delivered which affected the power required to pump the fluid, as well as the efficiency of the
pump. Graphs shown in figure 5, 6. Ideally, at no flow rate the head should be maximum which
is called shutoff head, and at maximum flow rate (free delivery) the head is zero. The best
operating point (BEP) lies somewhere between these two points on the performance curve.
Note that with increasing flow rate, power supplied is increasing which affects our efficiency. As
shown in figure 6, efficiency increases up to a certain point then keeps decreasing as more
power is supplied. So, we need to find a flow rate that supplies enough head, with the least
amount of power. BEP is the point of maximum efficiency at a certain flow rate. For this pump,
the maximum efficiency recorded was 36.674% at a flow rate of 2.024E-3 m3/s. Head is 108KPa.

Head vs flow rate Dynamometer

Dynamometer (W)

150000 108000 640

620
Head (Pa)

595
100000 600
50000 580
560
0 540
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025
Flow Rate (m^3/s) Flow Rate (m^3/s)

Figure 4: Pump performance curve Figure 5: Power supplied vs flow rate

Efficiency
36.67418573
37
Efficiency %

36
35
34
33
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025
Flow Rate (m^3/s)

Figure 4: pump’s efficiency curve

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Experiment 2 – Pelton Wheel Turbine performance and efficiency:

In this experiment, we analyzed the effects of angular velocity of turbine shafts on the
efficiency of Pilton wheel turbines. Pilton wheel turbines are like fly wheel turbines that work
with drag force from the fluid momentum hitting bucket-shaped turbine blades, to generate
torque. As we know, power is generated from the product of torque and the angular velocity of
the turbine shaft. P=T*𝜔. By changing torque of the turbine shaft we vary the angular velocity
of the shaft, which allows us to control output shaft power. At maximum RPM our torque was
zero and consequently our output power was zero. As we adjusted the dynamometer to
increase torque, the shaft started slowing down and generating power. In the second part of
this experiment we analyzed the impact of spear valve opening on the turbines. Decreasing the
opening to 25% increases the impact velocity by a factor of 4, assuming constant mass flow rate
(𝑚̇ = 𝜌𝐴𝑣). This assumption is validated by ensuring the right inlet pressure before each round.
This increase in impact velocity causes the turbine to generate the same power at a much
higher efficiency. This is due to the decrease of the amount of energy required to generate the
same impact velocity.

Turbine Power
150
Power (W)

100

50 100%

0 25%
0 500 1000 1500
Speed (RPM)

Figure 5: Pilton wheel power vs RPM

Efficiency
100
Efficiency %

50
100%

0 25%
0 500 1000 1500
Speed (RPM)

Figure 6: Pilton Wheel efficiency vs RPM

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Experiment 3 – Francis Turbine performance and efficiency:

For proper functionality, the turbine and its outlet must be fully submerged with water.
Speed and volumetric flow rate results impact the power and turbine efficiency. Power output
for Francis turbines was maximum at 100 W and corresponding 1597 RPM. Francis turbines
operate better at higher velocities, and lower pressures. Guide vanes are like gates that control
the flow of water in the turbine. They direct the water flow towards the impellers. At 100% all
the water is hitting the impellers and causing rotation; however, at 25% setting the amount of
water that is hitting the impellers decreases significantly, causing less impact momentum to
rotate the blades. The blades may run at the same speed as the 100% setting; however, they
generate a lot less power at the same speed, as shown in figure 7 below. Consequently, the
100% guide vane setting gives us more power and more efficiency than the 25% setting. If guide
vanes decrease efficiency why do engineers include them in the turbines? They are used to
adjust the angle of the water that is incoming to the impellers. So, for some impeller designs a
25% guide vane setting could be better depending on the impellers’ designs and purpose.

Turbine Power
150
Power (W)

100

50 100%

0 25%
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Speed (RPM)

Figure 7:Francis turbine power vs RPM

Efficiency
80
60
Efficiency

40
100%
20
25%
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Speed (RPM)

Figure 8: Francis turbine efficiency vs RPM

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Summary & Conclusions

In this lab, we investigated centrifugal pumps, and analyzed pressure differences across
the pump. That allowed us to gain more insight into functionality of pumps and their BEP.
Centrifugal pumps work by increasing the energy of the fluid to move it from one place to
another. Pump’s efficiency is a variable of flow rate, RPM, pressure levels. The more energy
given to the pump, the faster the pump rotates holding torque as a constant. Faster pumps
don’t usually mean most efficient. In real life, when choosing pumps for certain functions, we
look at the environment, and how much head is required, the type of fluid being pumped,
pressure levels. From these parameters a system curve is plotted. Each pump has its own
specific curve that highlights its efficiency, power output, impeller diameter, etc. pumps are
selected due to how close their BOP is to a required point at the system curve. Ideally point of
intersection. Other things to be considered when selecting pumps are cavitation, or the
damaging of impellers caused by bubbles in pump, the purpose of the pump.
The purpose of the pump itself is a major concern when it comes to pump selection.
Some pumps are just needed to increase head to reach high elevations, like pumps used in high
rise buildings, others have reliability, as a major design selection. For example, fire fighters
require pumps that would work every time they turn it on, efficiency is not their main concern
as much as increasing flow rate, and reliability are
For the other part of this lab, Turbines were investigated, and conclusions were
withdrawn. Turbines are energy producing devices. Their efficiency relies on how well they
convert energy forms with minimum amount of losses. Turbines’ blades and mounting
environment are main factors in designing turbines. In Piton Wheel turbines, impact velocity of
water and bucket shaped blades were the main factors in determining the power outputted.
The shape of the buckets determines the amount of drag force which generates required
torque to rotate the shaft. If the bucket was shaped differently the efficiency would differ. Also,
the presence of spear valve allowed us to control the impact velocity of fluid onto the buckets.
A more closed valve allowed water to travel at higher speeds causing more momentum to allow
the shaft to rotate faster, with the same total energy of the system. The presence of a spear
valve allowed us to get a better efficiency out of turbine by controlling the incoming fluid’s
velocities. This could be applied to waterwheels mounted on a river or water duct. The best
place to put such waterwheels is at the narrowest cross section of water stream, where the
velocity is highest.

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

For the last experiment conducted in this lab, Francis Turbines were investigated to
measure their power output and efficiency at different guide vane settings. Guide vans allow
better impact between incoming fluid and impellers. They redirect water at a certain angle to
hit impellers. Depending on the mounting environment, the use of guide vanes could actually
be less efficient as it causes lower impact velocities by changing the angle. Or it could cause the
fluid to hit the impellers at points where it will not optimize rotational power, which is why we
have guide vanes in the first place.
. To sum up, optimizing pump, and turbine design and selection process allows
engineers to:
- Save manufacturing costs
- Save maintenance costs.
- Reduce energy consumption.

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

References
[1] Kempers, Roger, “Mech 3504 – lab Manual – MFP101 Water Turbine” – 2018
[2] Aydin, Murat, “Mech 3202- Chapter 14 Turbomachinery”-2018

Appendix

Figure 6: Parameters and variables

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Pump
Speed Data for experiment 1:
(rpm) 2500 261.6667 centrifugal pumps
Reynolds
Number 5928367

Delivery Inlet Delta Dynamo Hydraulic

Head Flow Rate Head
Pressure Pressure P1 Power Power Eff (%) Ch Cq Cp
(bar) (L.s^-1) (Pa)
(bar) (bar) (bar) (W) (W)

0.57 -0.36 0.93 0.28 2.2794043 624 211.9846 33.97189 0.006608 0.003042 0.000205 93000
0.55 -0.4 0.95 0.27 2.2383306 624 212.6414 34.07715 0.00675 0.002988 0.000206 95000
0.53 -0.45 0.98 0.26 2.196489 618 215.2559 34.83105 0.006963 0.002932 0.000208 98000
0.5 -0.5 1 0.25 2.1538346 612 215.3835 35.19338 0.007106 0.002875 0.000208 100000
0.48 -0.55 1.03 0.24 2.1103183 610 217.3628 35.63324 0.007319 0.002817 0.00021 103000
0.45 -0.6 1.05 0.23 2.0658856 600 216.918 36.153 0.007461 0.002757 0.00021 105000
0.43 -0.65 1.08 0.22 2.020476 595 218.2114 36.67419 0.007674 0.002697 0.000211 108000
0.4 -0.7 1.1 0.2 1.9264483 589 211.9093 35.97781 0.007816 0.002571 0.000205 110000
0.37 -0.75 1.12 0.19 1.8776695 583 210.299 36.07187 0.007958 0.002506 0.000203 112000
0.34 -0.8 1.14 0.18 1.8275893 572 208.3452 36.42398 0.0081 0.002439 0.000201 114000
0.29 -0.85 1.14 0.15 1.6683531 556 190.1923 34.20724 0.0081 0.002227 0.000184 114000

Table 2: Experiment 2 (Pilton Wheel)

Inlet Pressure (bar) 0.54
Spear Valve Setting 100%

Turbine
Flow Rate Hydraulic Turbine Shaft
Turbine Speed (rev.min^-1) Delta P1 (bar) Efficiency
(m^3.s^-1) Power (W) Power (W)
nT

1199 0.26 0.002196489 118.6104036 20 16.861927

998 0.27 0.002238331 120.8698524 66 54.604187
799 0.26 0.002196489 118.6104036 87 73.349384
724 0.27 0.002238331 120.8698524 90 74.460255
600 0.26 0.002196489 118.6104036 87 73.349384
501 0.26 0.002196489 118.6104036 80 67.447709
299 0.27 0.002238331 120.8698524 56 46.330825
144 0.26 0.002196489 118.6104036 29 24.449795
Spear Valve Setting 25%
1209 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 51 45.716203

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 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

1000 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 92 82.468444

799 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 103 92.328801
603 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 96 86.054028
398 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 75 67.22971
203 0.23 0.002065886 111.5578223 43 38.545034

Table 7: Experiment 3 (Francis Turbine)

Inlet Pressure
Guide Vane Setting 100%
Turbine
Turbine
Turbine Speed Delta P1 Flow Rate Hydraulic Shaft
P4 Efficiency
(rev.min^-1) (bar) (m^3.s^-1) Power (W) Power
nT
(W)
2500 0.17 1.06 0.001776098 188.2663383 12 6.3739488
2208 0.23 0.86 0.002065886 177.6661614 57 32.082643
1911 0.27 0.73 0.002238331 163.3981338 84 51.408176
1597 0.3 0.62 0.002359408 146.2832723 100 68.360516
1283 0.31 0.6 0.002398409 143.904524 91 63.236372
1018 0.31 0.59 0.002398409 141.5061152 76 53.707926
708 0.3 0.62 0.002359408 146.2832723 56 38.281889
393 0.29 0.65 0.002319751 150.7838075 31 20.559237
178 0.28 0.67 0.002279404 152.7200889 14 9.1670979
Guide Vane Setting 25%
2490 0.12 1.28 0.00149222 191.0042112 9 4.711938
2202 0.13 1.21 0.001553152 187.9314205 34 18.091706
1913 0.15 1.15 0.001668353 191.8606095 53 27.624222
1610 0.16 1.1 0.001723068 189.5374469 63 33.238814
1285 0.17 1.05 0.001776098 186.4902408 66 35.390592
1021 0.18 1.05 0.001827589 191.8968746 59 30.745681
704 0.18 1.06 0.001827589 193.7244639 44 22.712671
379 0.17 1.07 0.001776098 190.0424358 25 13.154957
140 0.17 1.08 0.001776098 191.8185334 9 4.6919345

16
 Abdallah Alshantaf (214999007)
MECH 3504
Experiment Performed: 2019-02-05
Report Submitted: 2019-02-17

Figure 9: uncertainty calculations

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