1.

Head

The hydraulic turbine selected should be decided based on the head, and for different
head ranges different turbines are suitable. Heads are divided into five types and suitable
turbines for them are given in the table below.

2. Specific speed

The Specific speed is high for turbines which works under high heads and low flow rate.
Similarly, specific speed is low for a turbine which works under the low head and high
flow rate. When the specific speed of the selected turbine is not up to the required range,
then the rotational speed of turbine reduces thus the capacity of plant reduces. However,
medium-specific speed turbines such as Francis turbines can generate high rotational
speed.

3. Rotational speed

The rotational speed of the turbine depends upon the specific speed of the turbine,
frequency and number of pair of poles in the electric generator. So, the specific speed of
the selected turbine should produce the same amount of rotation speed of the generator.

4. Efficiency of turbine

The efficiency of the turbine selected should be as high as possible and it is considered
for various working conditions of turbines. Different turbines in decreasing order of their
overall efficiency are as follows :

Efficiency of turbines = Francis Turbine > Kaplan Turbine > Pelton Turbine

5. Cavitation

Cavitation mainly occurs in the case of reaction type turbines. So, while selecting the
turbine, cavitation factor should be determined for that particular turbine to check
whether it is in a safe zone or not. Cavitation factor depends upon the specific speed of
the turbine. It is important, especially in the case of Kaplan, propeller and bulb type
turbines.

6. Disposition of turbine shaft

Based on the previous experiences, it is recommended that the horizontal shaft

arrangement is best suitable for large size impulse turbines such as Pelton turbine
etc. Similarly in case of large size reaction turbines such as the Kaplan turbine, Deriaz
turbine etc. vertical shaft arrangement is recommended.

7. Part-load operation

In general, the efficiency of the turbine is maximum when it is running with a designed
load condition. When the part-load or overload condition arises the efficiency reduces
which is uneconomical. In that case, Deriaz turbine or Kaplan turbine is recommended.

reference

Anupoju, S. (2019, March 11). Factors Affecting Selection of Hydraulic Turbine. The
Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/hydraulics-lab/turbines-pumps/factors-
affecting-selection-hydraulic-turbine/30826/