Dhanesh Chatta

Associate. Professor ,ME,GCE Kannur


A turbo machine is a device in which
mechanical energy transfer occurs between a
fluid and a rotating element

resulting in a change in pressure/movement of
fluid and change in momentum of the fluid

Mechanical energy transfer occurs into or out of
the turbo machine.

Turbo machines deliver the mechanical energy
are called turbines

Turbo machines consumes mechanical energy
for pressure/movement of fluid are called
pumps ,compressors, blower ,fan

On the basis of fluid flowing

Hydraulic turbines

Steam turbines

Gas turbines

On the basis of action of fluid

Impulse turbines-fluid with very high
velocity(from nozzle) hits the turbine blades,
causes rotation

Reaction turbines- These turbines work due to
reaction of the pressure difference between the
inlet and the outlet of the runner

For the rotation of the runner or rotor of turbine
a torque is needed

How this torque is developed

It is according to the principle of moment of
momentum

When the fluid flows over the runner blades
moment of momentum of fluid changed

This is nothing but torque

m(v2-v1)*r=(kg/sec)(m/sec)(m)=kg(m/sec2)m

=F*r=T

Turbines convert hydraulic energy or
hydro-potential into mechanical energy

Mechanical energy developed by turbines

is used to run electric generators coupled
to the shaft of turbines

Pelton turbine-1880 American

Francis turbine-1849 Britain

Kaplan turbine-1900 Australian


Impulse turbine

Water from the dam enter in to the turbine
through pen stock then through the nozzle

Moment of momentum of water changes
ie water jet hit the bucket at the splitter
then water leaves tangential to the
periphery of bucket .

Thus velocity at the outlet and inlet is
different which cause change in
momentum

It is high head and low discharge turbine
50 < H < 1300

Bucket having a cut space .thus water jet
not blocked by the bucket just in front

Casing have no hydraulic function .it is for
avoiding splashing of the water

Spear valve controls the flow of water as
per the load on the turbine

Braking jet is provided to stop the rotation
in case any accident

Reaction turbine

At the entry and exit of the blades velocity
of the water is different because of aerofoil
shape

Which causes a momentum change. Thus
a lift force is developed on the blades, then
producing a torque

Hence runner rotates

Casing is spiral shape-ie flow path area is
reduced

This reduced area ensures water enters the
runner with uniform velocity

Before water entering the runner it passes over
guide vanes

Guide vanes to control the water flow rate as
per the load on the generator side. it actually
controls the speed of rotation of the turbine

Mixed flow turbine-water enters radialy
and leaves axially

Medium head-The turbines that work
under a head of 45m to 250m

Draft tube is used to reduce cavitation ie
at the exit of the turbine velocity is very
high and pressure low

By providing the tapered shape pressure
can be increased. thus cavitation can be
reduced

Reaction turbine

Axial flow

Low head-2 to 25 m

Rotation principle is same as that of
Francis turbine

Casing is spiral .Thus advantage same as
that of Francis

Blades are adjustable-as per optimum
angle of attack

Guide vanes controls water flow rate as per
load on generator

Draft tube is used to reduce cavitation