HYDRAULIC TURBINES

1.0 Basic Terminologies

1. Affinity Laws: allow the output of a turbine to be predicted based on model tests.
2. Axis: an imaginary line about which a body rotates.
3. Blade: is the individual component responsible for extracting energy from the velocity of the
water jet and uses it to do mechanical work on a rotating output shaft.
4. Brake nozzle: A nozzle directed at the back of the buckets, which is opened when there is a
need to slow down or stop the turbine.
5. Braking Jet –the jet of water produced by the break nozzle.
6. Buckets: cups or bowls attached to the runner which take the impact of water from the
nozzle causing the runner to rotate.
7. Cavitation: A phenomenon which occurs when the pressure at a point in a hydraulic system
is lowered below the vapor pressure of the oil in the system. This allows bubbles of oil vapor
to form in the oil. If this occurs at the pump inlet, the quick pressure rise inside the pump
forces these bubbles to collapse violently. This can cause erosion of metal parts, noise and
vibration.
8. Dam: a concrete structure that impounds water for irrigation and hydropower purposes
9. Deflectors: The deflectors serve to bend the jet away from the runner at reduced loads to
avoid a high speed increase.
10. Design Head (Hd): is the net head at which peak efficiency is desired. This head should
preferably approximate the weighted average head, but must be so selected that the
maximum and minimum heads are not beyond the permissible operating range of the turbine.
This is the head which determines the basic dimensions of the turbine and therefore of the
power plant.
11. Draft Tube: is a conically shaped conduit attached to the turbine discharge. It slows down
the high discharge velocity water coming from the runner as it discharges to the tail race.
12. Duct: a channel or tube for conveying
13. Efficiency: the ratio of the useful work performed by a machine or process to the total
energy expended or heat taken in.
14. Forebay or Pre-dam: is a small reservoir where water is temporarily stored. It is used to
trap sediment and debris to ensure that clean water enters the penstock.
15. Francis Turbine: is an Inward Flow Reaction Turbine having Radial Discharge at Outlet.
16. Generator: a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. An arrangement of
magnets spinning inside a coil of wire to produce electricity.
17. Guide Bearing: The function of the turbine guide bearing is to resist the mechanical
imbalance and hydraulic side loads from the turbine runner thereby maintaining the turbine
runner in its centered position in the runner seals.
18. Guide mechanism/Guide vane: It consists of a circular wheel all-round the runner of the
turbine. The stationary guide vanes are fixed on the guide wheel. The guide vanes allow the
water to strike the vanes fixed on the runner without shock at inlet
19. Head cover: Supports the weights of guide vanes and confine the vibrations and unnecessary
movements of the wicket gates.
20. Head Water: water level at supply reservoir.
21. Hub: The part of the runner to which blades are mounted.
22. Hydraulic efficiency: It is the ratio of the power developed by runner to the power supplied
at the inlet of the turbine.

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23. Hydraulic turbine: is a prime mover that converts the kinetic energy and potencial energy of
flowing water into mechanical power for the purpose of driving an electrical generator or other
machinery.
24. Hydroelectricity: is electricity produced from hydropower.
25. Hydropower (“Hydro”): The process of generating electricity by capturing the potential
energy of falling water through the use of a water wheel (turbine) to mechanically spin
rotating magnets which create electrical current that can be distributed to users by
transmission lines.
Large Hydropower: Although definitions vary, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) defines
large hydropower as facilities that have a capacity of more than 30 megawatts.
Small Hydropower: The DOE defines small hydropower as facilities that have a capacity of
100 kilowatts to 30 megawatts.
Micro Hydropower: A micro hydropower plant has a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts. A small
or micro-hydroelectric power system can produce enough electricity for a home, farm,
ranch, or village.
26. Jet: a fluid stream issuing from an orifice or nozzle.
27. Kaplan turbine: is a propeller type water turbine with the adjustable blades which work in
reverse. Mainly designed for low head water applications.
28. Maximum Head (Hmax): is the gross head difference in elevation between the maximum
forebay (head water) level without surcharge and the tailrace level without spillway discharge.
Under this condition, hydraulic losses are negligible and may be disregarded.
29. Minimum Head (Hmin): is the net head resulting from the difference in elevation between the
minimum forebay (head water) level and the tailrace level minus losses with all turbines
operating at full specified gate opening.
30. Mechanical efficiency: It is the ratio of the power available at turbine shaft to the power
available at turbine runner.
31. Motor: a device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. 
32. Nozzle: is provided at end of penstock and its main function is to increase the velocity of the
water and to direct it to the buckets of the turbine.
33. Overall efficiency: It is the ratio of the power available at the turbine shaft to the power
available from the jet.
34. Pelton Turbine: is a tangential flow impulse turbine that uses double curved buckets to
capture the jet of water. It is primarily used for high heads.
35. Penstock: A closed conduit or pipe for conducting water to the powerhouse.
36. Pentrough: an open usually planked or boarded trough or tank from which water falls onto a
waterwheel.
37. Propeller: a mechanical device for propelling a boat or aircraft, consisting of a revolving shaft
with two or more broad, angled blades attached to it.
38. Reservoir: a large natural or artificial enclosure used as a source of water supply in a
hydraulic system.
39. Runaway Speed: the speed at full flow, and no shaft load.
40. Runner: A rotating circular disc on the periphery of which buckets are mounted with equal
spacing between them.
41. Scroll Casing: a spiral casing with a decreasing area to make sure that water flows into the
central portion of the Kaplan turbine at uniform velocity.
42. Shaft Seal: Prevent water leakage between main shaft and head cover.
43. Slit Sluice: is a chamber that collects the mud and through which the mud is discharged.
44. Sluice Gate: A sliding gate used to control the flow of water.

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45. Spear: is provided within the pen stock and its main function are to increase and decrease the
amount and speed of water entering the turbine. If more water is needed the spear is moved
back to allow more to enter into the turbine and if less water is needed the spear moves
forward to decrease the amount of water entering the turbine.
46. Specific Speed: The speed at which the turbine will run when developing one unit power
under a unit head.
47. Spillway: The structure or portion of a larger structure that is used to release excess water
over or around a dam.
48. Splitter: The dividing wall which separates each bucket of a pelton turbine into two
symmetrical parts.
49. Stator – The stationary part of a rotary system, found in electric generators and electric
motors. Its main purpose is to keep the field aligned.
50. Surge Chamber: is a standpipe connected to the penstock and open to the atmosphere so
that the water will always be at atmospheric pressure.
51. Tail water: The water level downstream of the powerhouse or dam.
52. Tailrace: The downstream channel that carries water away from a dam or powerhouse.
53. Trash Rack: A screen that prevents the leaves, branches and other water contaminants to
enter into the penstock.
54. Turbine Shaft: The rotating element, usually circular in cross section, which is used to
transmit power from the turbine runner to the generator shaft and generator rotor.
55. Turbine: A rotary engine that converts the energy of a moving stream of water, steam or gas
into mechanical energy.
56. TurgoTurbine: also known as a half Pelton turbine, it is an impulse turbine which uses
spoon-shaped blades to capture the jet of water.
57. Vane: a broad blade attached to a rotating axis or wheel that pushes or is pushed by wind or
water and forms part of a machine or device such as a windmill, propeller, or turbine.
58. Vortex: a mass of whirling fluid or air, such as a whirlpool or whirlwind.
59. Volumetric efficiency: It is the ratio of volume of water actually striking the runner to the
total water supplied by the jet to the turbine.
60. Water wheel - a large wheel driven by flowing water, used to work machinery or to raise
water to a higher level.
61. Waterway - a river, canal, or other route for travel by water.
62. Wicket gates: Adjustable elements that control the flow of water from the scroll case into
the turbine passage.

TURBINE CLASSIFICATIONS

Based on How Energy is Transferred

 Impulse turbine: generally uses the velocity of water to move the runner. As the water
strikes the buckets the runner rotates with the water exiting on the downside of the turbine
housing. Impulse turbines are commonly used for high head and low flow applications. Ex.
Pelton, Cross Flow and Turgo turbine.
 Reaction turbine: a turbine which develops power from the combined action of the pressure
and velocity of water. The runner is placed directly in the water stream flowing over the
blades rather than striking them. They are generally used for low head and high flow
applications Ex. Kaplan, Francis and Propeller turbine.

Based on Direction of Flow

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 Tangential flow turbine: a turbine in which water strikes the runner wheel tangentially to
the path of rotation.
Ex. Pelton turbine and Turgo turbine
 Axial flow turbine: a turbine in which water enters runner wheel parallel to the direction of
axis of rotation of runner.
Ex. Kaplan turbine, propeller turbine
 Mixed flow turbine: a turbine in which the direction of flow is partly radial and partly axial.
Water enters the blade radially and comes out axially parallel to the turbine shaft.
Ex. Francis turbine

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Based on Head of Water
1. Very low head turbine: when head is less than 15m.
Ex. Propeller turbine
2. Low head turbine: when head is between 15-60m.
Ex. Kaplan turbine
3. Medium head turbine: when head is between 60-250m.
Ex. Francis turbine
4. High head turbine: when head is above 250m.
Ex. Pelton wheel

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FORMULAS:

Gross Head (Hg)

H g =head water elevation−tail water elevation

H g =Z 1−Z 2

Effective Head (He)

H e =H g−H L

Head Loss Due to Friction at Penstock (HL)

L υ2
H L=f ( )( )
D 2g
Water Power – Turbine (Pt)
Pt =ρgQ H e =γQ H e

where:

ρ = density of water
g = gravitational acceleration
γ = specific weight of water

Penstock Efficiency (ηp)

He
ηp= x 100 %
Hg

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Volumetric Efficiency (ηv)
Q−Q L
η v= x 100 %
Q
where:

Q = volume flow rate at penstock

QL = loss of flow due to leakage
Q – QL = actual flow actual flow received by the blades or buckets

Hydraulic Efficiency (ηh)

H utilized head at blades
ηh = x 100 %
He

Mechanical Efficiency (ηm)

Pb
ηm = x 100 %
Pr

Total Turbine Efficiency (ηt)

Pb
ηt =η v ηh ηm =
Pt

Generator Efficiency (ηg)

Pg
η g=
Pb
where:
Pb = break power, power delivered to shaft
Pr = power delivered to the runner
Pg – generator output power

Turbine-Generator Efficiency or Combined Efficiency (ηk)

Pg
η k =ηt η g=
Pt

Generator Speed (N)

120 f
N=
No . of Poles
where:
N = generator speed, rpm
f = frequency, Hz

PROBLEM NO. 1

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 In a hydroelectric power plant the head water level elevation is 508.5m. The gross head is
28.5m and the head loss is 3.5% of the gross head. Determine the tail water elevation and the
penstock efficiency. (ANS 480m; 96.5%)
Given: Z1 = 508.5m Req’d: Z2, ɳp
Hg= 28.5m
HL= 0.035Hg
Solution:
H g =Z 1−Z 2
Z2 =Z 1−H g=( 508.5−28.5 ) m=480 m
H e =H g−H L=28.5 m−0.035 ( 28.5 m )=27.5 m
H e 27.5 m
ηp= = =0.9649=96.49 %
H g 28.5 m
PROBLEM NO. 2
For an effective head of 45m a hydroelectric plant has an available flow rate of 37 500 lps
of water. Determine the power generated by the plant if the turbine efficiency is 87% and the
generator efficiency is 90%. (ANS 12 962kW)
Given: He = 45m Req’d: Pg
Q= 37 500 lps
ɳt= 87%
ɳg= 90%

Solution:
kN m3 ( kJ
(
Pt =γQ H e = 9.81
m 3)(
37.5
s )
45 m)
kN (
∙m )( kWkJ∙ s )=16554.375 kW
Pg =Pt ( ηt ) ( ηg ) =16 554.375 kW ( 0.87 ) ( 0.9 )=12962.08 kW

PROBLEM NO. 3

A hydroelectric plant has a headwater elevation of 97.5m and a tailwater elevation of

62.5m. The available volume flow rate us 15 000 lps and the head loss is 4% of gross water head.
Determine the turbine power output if the turbine efficiency is 85%. (ANS 4202.6kW)

Given: Z1 = 97.5m ; Z2 = 62.5m Req’d: PB

Q= 15 000 lps
HL= 0.04Hg
ɳt= 85%

Solution:

H g =Z 1−Z 2=( 97.5−62.5 ) m=35 m

H e =H g−H L=35 m−0.04 ( 35 m) =33.6 m

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 kN m3 ( kJ
(
Pt =γQ H e = 9.81 3 15
m s)( )
33.6 m )
kN ∙ m( )( kWkJ∙ s )=494 4.24 kW
Pb=P t ( ηt ) =494 4.24 kW ( 0.85 )=4202.6 kW

PROBLEM NO. 4
In a hydroelectric plant, the elevation difference between the water surfaces at intake and
the tailrace is 178m. When the water flow is 2345 lps, the friction loss in the penstock is 15m, and
the head utilized by the turbine is 135m. The mechanical friction in the turbine is 55 kW and the
leakage loss is 78 lps. Determine the following:
a. Hydraulic efficiency
b. Volumetric efficiency
c. Power delivered to the runner
d. Turbine break power
e. Mechanical efficiency
f. Turbine efficiency
(ANS 82.82%; 96.67%; 3002.3kW; 2947.3kW; 98.17%; 78.6%)
Solution:

a ¿ H ¿g =178 m
H L=15 m
H e =H g−H L=178 m−15 m=163 m
H u 135 m
ηh = = =0.8282=82.82 %
H e 163 m
Q−QL 2.354−0.078
b ¿ η ¿ v= = =0.9667=96.67 %
Q 2.354
kN m3 ( kJ
( )
c ¿ P ¿ r=γQ ' H u= 9.81 3 (2.267 ) 135 m )
m S kN ∙m ( )( kWkJ∙ s )=3002.3 kW
d ¿ Pb=Pr −PL =( 3002.3−55 ) kW =2947.3 kW

Pb 2947.3 kW
e ¿ η¿ m= = =0.9817=98.17 %
Pr 3002.3 kW

f ¿ η ¿t =η v η h ηm =( 0.9667 ) ( 0.8282 ) ( 0.9817 )=0.786=78.6 %

PROBLEM NO. 5
A Pelton-type turbine was installed 30m below the head gate of the penstock. The head
loss due to friction is 15% of the given elevation. The length of the penstock is 80m and the
coefficient of friction is 0.00093. Determine the diameter of the penstock and the power output of
the turbine. (ME Board Exam, April 1987). (ANS 0.4217m; 781.61kW)

Solution:

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H g =30 m
H L=0.15 ( 30 m )=4.5 m
H e =H g−H L=30 m−4.5 m=25.5 m

υ2
=H e ; υ=√ 2 g H e
2g
m m
√(
υ= 2 9.81
) s
2
2
( 25.5 m ) ¿ 22.37

2
s

L υ L υ
H =f ( ) ; D=f
H (2g )
L
D 2g L

m 2
D=0.00093
80 m
4.5 m

π 2 π
[ ( )]
(
s
m
2 9.81 2
s
22.37
=0.4217 m
)

3
Q= Aυ= D υ= (0.4217 m)2(22.37 m ¿=3.1245 m
4 4 s s

kN m3 ( kJ
(
Pt =γQ H e = 9.81
m 3 )
(3.1245
S
) 25.5 m ) (
kN ∙ m )( kWkJ∙ s )=781.61 kW
PROBLEM NO. 6
The average elevation of the headwater and tailwater in a hydroelectric plant is 275m and
125 m, respectively. The average water velocity in the 1.6m-diameter penstock is 5m/s and the
estimated head loss is 3% of the available head. The plant has a turbine efficiency of 84% and a
generator efficiency of 92%. If the plant operates for 330 days per year determine its annual
output in kw-hr. Ans .87799 159 kW −hr

Solution:
H g =Z 1−Z 2=275 m−125 m=150 m
H L=0.03 ( H g )=0.03 ( 150 m )=4.5 m
H e =H g−H L=150 m−4.5 m=145.5 m

π 2 π( m m3
4 4
2
Q= Aυ= D υ= 1.6 m 5 =10.05
)
s s ( )
kN m3 ( kJ
(
Pt =γQ H e = 9.81
m 3 )(
10.05
S )
145.5 m ) (
kN ∙ m )( kWkJ∙ s )=14 345 kW
Pg =Pt ( ηt ) ( ηg ) =14 345 kW ( 0.84 ) ( 0.92 )=11 085.75 kW

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Annual Output =11 085.75 kW ( 330yrday )( 24dayhr )=87 799 159 kW −hr

Specific Speed (Ns)

Also referred to as the shape factor, the specific speed is an important non-dimensional
parameter governing the selection of the type of pump or turbine to be used.

For turbines, it is the speed at which a particular turbine will develop 1 kW power under a
head of 1m.

πN √ Q ,m3 /s
Ns= 3/4
30 ( g H e )

Power Specific Speed (Nps)

For hydraulic turbines the power specific speed is non-dimensional parameter often used to
determine the runner best suited for a given operating range. The impulse (Pelton) turbines have
very low power specific speeds relative to Kaplan turbines, whereas, the power specific speed of a
Francis turbine lies between that of the Impulse and Kaplan turbines.

πN √(P b ,Watts)/ ρ
N ps = =N √ ηt
30 ( g H e ) 5/ 4 s

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Specific Diameter (Ds)
Is a non-dimensional parameter used to decide upon the type of turbine to be used.

D ( g H e )1/ 4
Ds =
( Q )1/ 2
Jet or Nozzle Velocity (Vn)

V n=C n √ 2 g H e

Velocity Ratio
U
=0.74 N ps0.238
Vo

Nozzle Efficiency (ηn)

V n2
ηn = 2
Vo

Spouting Velocity (Vo)

V o =√2 g H e

Wheel or Runner Diameter (D)

2U
D=
N

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Jet Diameter (d)

4A
d=
√ π
Number of Buckets (Nb)
D
Nb= + 15
2d
CN – nozzle velocity coefficient
U – blade speed, m/s

POWER SPECIFIC SPEED

Type NPS HT η%
Pelton wheel Single jet 0.02 – 0.18 Above 86-92
Twin jet 0.09 – 0.26 300m
Three jet 0.10 – 0.30
Four jet 0. 12 – 0. 38
Francis Low – speed 0.39 - 0.65 60m-350m 89-96
Medium – speed 0.65 – 1.2
High – speed 1. 2 – 1.9
Extreme – speed 1.9 – 2.3
Kaplan 1.55 – 5.17 15m-60m 87 - 94
Note:
For a well designed hydro-power plant the overall efficiency is often greater than 0.9, for this
reason there is only a slight difference between N ps and Ns.

PROBLEM NO. 7

An impulse turbine with a runner diameter of 4 m operates with an effective head, H, of

500 m at a volume flow rate of 58 m 3/s and produces 260 MW of shaft power at a rotational speed
of 290 rpm. Determine a) the specific diameter; b) the specific speed; c) the turbine efficiency; d)
the number of jets to be used.
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 m3 P =260 MW , N =290 rpm
Given: D=4 m , H e =500 m, Q=58 , b
s
Required: a) D s
b) N s
c) ηt
d) number of jets
Solution:

4 m ( 9.81 x 500 m )1 / 4
D ( g H e )1/ 4 1 /2
a . Specific Diameter D s = = m3
( Q )1/ 2 ( )
58
s
Ds =¿ 4.395

b . Specific Speed

m3 m3
Ns= √
πN Q ,

30 ( g H e )
s =
3/ 4
√
π ( 290 rpm ) 58 ,

30 ( 9.81 x 500 )
3/ 4
s

N s =¿0.395

c .Turbine Efficiency
KN m3
Pt =ρgQ H e =γQ H e = 9.81 x 58 x 500m
m3 s
Pt =¿284 490 KW

Pb 260 MW
ηt = =
Pt 284.490 MW
ηt =¿ 91.39 %

d . Number of JetsN ps =N s √ ηt = (0.395)√ 0.9139

N ps =¿ 0.37761
¿ the table , Four Jets is Sufficient
PROBLEM NO. 8
A 25MW- output hydroelectric plant uses an 8-pole generator operating at 60 Hz and 98%
efficiency. Hydraulic efficiency is 97% and mechanical efficiency is 97.5%. Headwater elevation is
180m and tailwater elevation is 30m, head loss is 4% of gross water head. For a turbine efficiency
of 90%, determine a) the penstock efficiency; b) the amount of leakage; c) the turbine to be used.

Given: Pg =25 MW , No. ofpoles=8 Pol es , f =60 hz . , ηg =98 % ,η h=97 % ,η m=97.5 % , ηt=90 %; z 1
= 180m; z 2 = 30 m; H L=4 %  H G

Required: a) ηp
b) QL
c) the turbine to be used
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Solution:

a . Penstock Efficiency H g =Z 1−Z 2=180−30=150 mH e =H g−H L = 150 – (0.04x 150) = 144 m

He 144 m
ηp= x 100 % = x 100 %
Hg 150 m
η p = 96%

Pb
b . Amount of Leakageηt =η v ηh ηm = ¿ η v ( 0.97 ) ( 0.975 )=0.90
Pt
η v = 95.16%
P 25 MW
η k =ηt η g= g = (0.90)(0.98 ) ¿
Pt Pt
Pt = 28.34MW
KN
Pt =ρgQ H e =γQ H e = (9.81 3 )(Q)(144m)
m
3
m
Q= 20.06
s
Q−Q L 20.06−Q L
η v= x 100 %= =0.9516
Q 20.06
3
Q L = 0.9709 m
s
120 f 120 (60 hz .) 900rpm
c .Turbine ¿ be used N= = ¿
No . of Poles 8
πN √ Q ,m3 /s π ( 900 rpm ) √ 20.06 m 3 /s
Ns= 3/4 ¿ 3/4 =1.83
30 ( g H e ) 30 ( 9.81 x 144 )
N ps ¿ N s √ ηt =¿ 1.83 √ 0.90 ¿ 1.74 ; ¿ the table , best choice is FrancisTurbine

PROBLEM NO. 9

A Pelton turbine operates with a flow rate of 10 m 3/s and a gross head of 480 m. The
penstock is made of galvanized iron having a diameter of 1.5m, an equivalent length of 900 m,
and an absolute roughness 0.15 mm. The turbine efficiency is 90%, and the shaft speed is 650
rpm. Determine (a) the power delivered by the turbine and (b) the specific speed, c) the
recommended number of jets, d) and the number of buckets in the wheel. The nozzle coefficient
is CN = 0.98, and the ratio of the blade speed to the discharge velocity is U/V N=0.38.

m3 H
Given: Q=10 , G = 480m, CN = 0.98, U/VN=0.38, ηt =90 % , N = 650rpm, At Penstock:
s
galvanized iron, D= 1.5m, L= 900m,  = 0.15mm
Required: a) Pb
b) Ns
c) recommend number of jets
d) Nb
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Solution:
m3 π 2 m
Q= Av=10 = ( 1.5) v ; v =5.66 At Standard Condition, Water is at t = 5 OC
s 4 s

m
)(1.5 m)
(5.66
vD s
2 = 5589 203.423, turbulent
ℜ= =
❑ −6 m
1.519 x 10
s
❑
1
√f
=−2 log (
D 2.51
+
3.7 ℜ √ f )
0.15 mm
1
√f
=−2 log (
1500 mm
3.7
+
2.51
5589 203.423 √ f )
f = 0.0123

L v2 900 m 5.66 2
H L=f ( )( )
D 2g
¿ 0.0123
1.5 m( )( 2 x 9.81 )
H L=¿ 12.0501m

a . Power delivered by the turbine H e =H g−H L = 480 – 12.0501= 467.9499 m

KN m3
Pt =γQ H e =¿ (9.81 3 x 10 x 467.9499m) = 45 905.96 KW
m s
Pb=ηt Pt =0.9 ( 45 905.96 kW )

Pb= 41 315.36kW
b . Specific Speed

πN √ Q ,m3 /s π (650 rpm) √ 10 m3 / s

Ns= 3/4 ¿
30 ( g H e ) 30 ( 9.81 x 467.9499 )3 /4
N s =¿ 0.386

c . Recommended number of JetsN ps ¿ N s √ ηt =¿ 0.386 √ 0.90 ¿ 0.366

For this value of Power Specific Speed , Four Jetsis Sufficient

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d . Number of Buckets∈the wheel V n=C n √ 2 g H e
m m
V n=0.98 √2 x 9.81 x 467.9499 m=93.902 U =0.38 x 93.902=35.683
s s
m 60 s
2(35.683
)( )
2U s min
D= = = 1.05 m
N rev 2 πrad
650 (
min rev )( )
So that the cross sectional area is

m3
)÷ 4
(10
Q s
A= = =0.0266 m2
VN m
93.902
s
And the jet diameter is

4A 4(0.0266 m2 ) = 0.184m = 18.4cm

d=
√ π
=
√ π
A = Q / VN = 10/ 93.912 = 0. 1065 m 2
4A 4(0.1065 m2 ) = 0.368m
d=
√
D
π
=
√ π
1.05 m
Nb = + 15 = + 15 = 17.85, use 18 buckets
2d 2(0.184 m)
Nb =18 buckets
PROBLEM NO. 10

A hydro power plant operating with a gross head of 250m and a flow rate of 2.5 m³/s has a head
loss 25m. The turbine efficiency of 93% and the generator operating at 60Hz has 4 poles.
Neglecting mechanical and volumetric losses determine (a) the power delivered by the turbine; (b)
the specific speed; (c) the type of turbine used; d) the blade speed.

m3 H
Given: Hg = 250m, Q=2.5 , L= 25m, ηt =93 % , f= 60Hz, 4 poles
s
Required: a) Pb
b) Ns
c) type of turbine
d) U

a . Power delivered by the turbine H e =H g−H L =

Pt =γQ H e =¿
Pb=ηt Pt =¿

1-17
Pb=
b . Specific Speed
120 f
N= =¿
No . of Poles

πN √ Q ,m3 /s
Ns= 3/4
30 ( g H e )

c. Type of turbine
N ps ¿ N s √ ηt =¿
d. Blade Speed
ND
U=
2
PROBLEM NO. 11

A Pelton wheel generates 1 MW of power as it operates under the effective head of 410 m
and at 395 rpm. Its overall efficiency is ηt = 84%, the nozzle velocity coefficient is C N = 0.98, and
the blade speed is U = 37m/s. Find (a) the specific speed and the recommended number of jets,
(b) the wheel diameter, the diameter of the jet, as well as the recommended number of buckets.

Solution:
(a) The shaft power
PB 1000 kW
P= = =1190.48 kW
ηt 0.84

Q=
P
=
1190.48 kW ( kWkJ∙ s )( kNkJ∙ m ) = 0.296 m
3

γ He kN s
(9.81 3
)( 410 m)
m
And the specific speed comes out to as
πN √ Q (395)( π )( √ 0.296)
Ns= 3 = 3 = 0.0446
4
30(g He) 30 (9.81 x 410) 4
N s =0.0446

N ps ¿ N s √ηt =0.0446 √ 0.84=0.04087

For this value of Power Specific Speed , One Jet is Sufficient
(b) The jet velocity is given by

VN = CN√ 2 g H e = 0.98√ 2(9.81)(410) = 87.90 m/s

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So that the cross sectional area is

A = Q / VN = 0. 296 / 87.9 = 0. 00337 m 2

And the jet diameter is

4A 4(0.0037 m2 ) = 0. 0655 m = 6.55 cm

d=
√ π
=
√ π
d = 6.55 cm
the diameter of the wheel is
m 60 s
)(2(37 )
2U s min
D= = = 1.79 m
N rev 2 πrad
395 (
min rev )( )
D = 1.79 m
And the number of the buckets comes out to be

D 1.79 m
Nb = + 15 = + 15 = 28.77, use 29 buckets
2d 2(0.065 m)
Nb = 29 buckets
PROBLEM NO. 12

A Pelton wheel producing 15 MW operates with an effective head of 385 m. The overall
turbine efficiency is 0.87, the velocity coefficient of the nozzle is C N = 0.98. The wheel rotates at
500 rpm and the ratio of the blade speed to nozzle velocity is 0.47. Recommend the number of
jets to which the supply flow should be split and the number of buckets on the wheel.

(a) The shaft power

PB 15 000 kW
P= = =17241.38 kW
ηt 0.87

Q=
P
=
17 241.38 kW ( kWkJ∙ s )( kNkJ∙ m ) = 4.565 m
3

γ He kN s
( 9.81 )(385 m)
m3
And the specific speed comes out to as
πN √Q (500)( π)( √ 4.565)
NS= 3 = 3 = 0.2322
4
30( g He) 30(9.81 x 385) 4

N PS=N S √ ηt =0.2322 √ 0.87=0.2166

For this value of power specific speed = 0.2166, four jets would be required

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(b) The jet velocity is given by

VN = CN√ 2 g H e = 0.98√ 2(9.81)(385) = 85.17 m/s

So that the cross sectional area is

m3
(4.565 )÷ 4
Q s
A= = =0.0134 m 2
VN m
85.17
s
And the jet diameter is

4A 4(0.0134 m2)
d=
√ π
=
√
the blade speed is
π
= 0.1306m = 13.06cm

m m
U =0.47(V N )=0.47 (85.17 )=40.03
s s
the wheel diameter and the number of the blades comes out to be
m 60 s
2( 40.03
)( )
2U s min
D= = = 1.53m
N rev 2 πrad
500 (
min rev )( )
D 1.53 m
Nb = + 15 = + 15 = 20.85, use 21 buckets
2d 2(0.1306)
Nb = 21 buckets
REFERENCES:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonneville_Dam
http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/energy-articles/turgo-turbine-design.html
http://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/pelton-turbine/2894/
http://www.renewablesfirst.co.uk/hydropower/hydropower-learning-centre/pelton-and-turgo-
turbines/
http://www.learnengineering.org/2013/08/pelton-turbine-wheel-hydraulic-turbine.html
http://www.mechnol.com/kaplan-turbine-and-its-design-working-principle.html
http://www.learnengineering.org/2014/01/how-does-francis-turbine-work.html
http://www.mechnol.com/francis-turbine-and-its-design-working-process.html
http://machineryequipmentonline.com/hvac-machinery/hydraulic-turbinesearly-history-of-
hydraulic-turbines/
http://www.ritchiewiki.com/wiki/index.php/Hydraulic_Turbine
http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/hydro/introduction-to-waterwheels/
http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/hydro-energy/waterwheel-design.html
http://www.green-mechanic.com/search/label/fluid%20and%20hydraulics
http://yozmen.ktu.edu.tr/files/hes_2.pdf
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http://164.100.133.129:81/eCONTENT/Uploads/15-Hydraulic%20Turbines-
new031211%20%5BCompatibility%20Mode%5D.pdf
https://www.ltu.se/cms_fs/1.4069!/exercicef7017t.pdf
http://164.100.133.129:81/econtent/Uploads/16Hydraulic%20Turbines%20%5BCompatibility
%20Mode%5D.pdf

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