What is a Pelton Turbine?

Pelton Turbine is a Tangential flow impulse turbine in which the A reaction turbine is a type of turbine used in hydroelectric power plants to convert the
pressure energy of water is converted into kinetic energy to form high speed water jet and this potential energy of water into mechanical energy and, ultimately, electrical energy. Unlike
jet strikes the wheel tangentially to make it rotate. It is also called as Pelton Wheel.Parts and impulse turbines, which rely on the impact of high-velocity water sprays on the turbine blades,
Their Functions of Pelton Turbine. Different parts and their functions of Pelton turbine are as reaction turbines utilise both the kinetic and pressure energy of the water. As the water flows
through the turbine blades, its pressure decreases, and it gains velocity, causing the blades to
Design aspects of Pelton Turbine rotate. Reaction turbines are known for their high efficiency, ability to work with varying water
flow rates and suitability for low to medium-head applications. What is a Reaction Turbine?
follows. Nozzle and Flow Regulating Arrangement 2Runner and Following are the aspects to be considered while designing the Pelton wheel Reaction turbines are a specific type of turbine that generates rotational force by responding to
Buckets 3Casing 4Braking Jet 1.Nozzle and Flow Regulating Arrangement turbine.1.Velocity of jet 2.Velocity of wheel 3.Angle of deflection of the pressure or mass of a gas or fluid. The operation of these turbines is based on Newton's
/The water from source is transferred through penstock to which end a jet4.Mean diameter of thewheel 5.Jet ratio 6.Bucket dimensions 7.Number of third law of motion, where action and reaction are equal and opposite. Reaction turbines are
nozzle is provided. Using this nozzle the high speed water jet can be formed. jets 8.Number of buckets 1.Velocity of Jet equation Velocity of commonly used in various applications to harness energy from fluid flow and are designed to
To control the water jet from nozzle, a movable needle spear is arranged Wheel Angle of Deflection of Jet efficiently convert hydraulic energy into mechanical work.Parts of Reaction Turbine
inside the nozzle.The spear will move backward and forward in axial
direction. When it is moved forward the flow will reduce or stopped and The angle of deflection of jet after striking the buckets is taken as 165o if no
when it is moved backward the flow will increase.A Pelton turbine consists of
a runner, which is a circular disc on the periphery of which a number of
buckets are mounted with equal spacing between them. The buckets deflection angle is given. Mean Diameter of The Wheel The mean diameter The main parts of Reaction Turbine include:{1.Spiral Casing} The spiral casing is
mounted are either double hemispherical or double ellipsoidal responsible for distributing water from a pipeline uniformly around the guide ring.[2.Guide
or the pitch diameter D of the pelton turbine is given by Jet
shaped.3.Casing The whole arrangement of runner and buckets, inlet and Mechanism) The guide vanes, fixed between two rings in a wheel-like form, are located within
Ratio:It is defined as the ratio of the pitch diameter (D) of the pelton turbine
braking jets are covered by the Casing. Casing of Pelton turbine does not the spiral casing. These vanes are designed to allow water to enter the turbine without causing
to the diameter of the jet (d). It is denoted by m and is given as
perform any hydraulic actions but prevents the splashing of water while m=D/d.4.Bucket Dimensions:Buckets dimensions are designed in such a way shocks or eddies.(3.Turbine Runner}
working and also helps the water to discharge to the tail race.4.Braking Jet that its breadth should be 3 to 4 times of diameter of jet, length should be 2 Depending on the turbine type, the turbine runner contains blades fixed to a shaft or ring.
Braking jet is used to stop the running wheel when it is not working. This to 3 times of diameter of jet and thickness should be 0.8 to 1.2 times the These blades are carefully designed to facilitate smooth water entry and exit without causing
situation arises when the nozzle inlet is closed with the help of spear then diameter of jet. shocks.{4.}Draft Tube After passing through the turbine runner, the water flows down through
the water jet is stopped on the buckets. But Due to inertia, the runner the draft tube. {Working of Reaction Turbine}The reaction turbine operates with low head and
Working of Pelton Turbine The working of Pelton turbine is as follows: The Bucket Dimensions:Buckets dimensions are designed in such a way that its high-velocity water entering the spiral casing, flowing through guide vanes, and striking the
water is transferred from the high head source through a long conduit called breadth should be 3 to 4 times of diameter of jet, length should be 2 to 3 runner blades. Guide vanes ensure proper angle alignment for maximum power output,
Penstock. Nozzle arrangement at the end of penstock helps the water to times of diameter of jet and thickness should be 0.8 to 1.2 times the maintaining pressure energy consistently throughout the spiral casing due to its decreasing
accelerate and it flows out as a high speed jet with high velocity and diameter of jet..Number of Buckets . Types of PC curves • Main cross-sectional area. The adjustability of guide vanes and runner blades enables flow rate
discharge at atmospheric pressure. The jet will hit the splitter of the buckets Characteristic curves / Constant head curves• Operating characteristic control, optimising efficiency across a wide range of water potential and load demands. After
which will distribute the jet into two halves of bucket and the wheel starts curves / Constant Speed curves • Constant efficiency curves (Muschel striking the runner blades, the water exits at low pressure, and to recover pressure, it passes
revolving.The kinetic energy of the jet is reduced when it hits the bucket and through a draft tube with a uniformly increasing cross-section area until reaching the tail race.
also due to spherical shape of buckets the directed jet will change its
direction and takes U-turn and falls into tail race. In general, the inlet angle Curves) cc cc Surge Tank • a tank
of jet is in between 1o to 3o, after hitting the buckets the deflected jet angle However, the high-pressure difference may lead to cavitation and corrosion issues. Types of
connected to a pipe carrying a liquid and intended to neutralize sudden
is in between 165o to 170o. The water collected in tail race should not changes of pressure in the flow by filling when the pressure increases and Reaction Turbine
submerge the Pelton wheel in any case. To generate more power, two Pelton emptying when it drops.
wheels can be arranged to a single shaft or two water jets can be directed at
a time to a single Pelton wheel.

Following are the types of reaction turbines: a) Gross Head:* The total difference in elevation between the suction and discharge points of a
1.Radial flow turbines.2.Axial flow turbines.3.Mixed flow turbines.4.Radial Flow pump, including frictional losses in the piping. In your example, if pump discharge is 10 meters
Turbines[1.]Radial Flow Turbines are a type of reaction turbines where water flows radially, above suction and friction loss is 1.5 meters, gross head would be 10 + 1.5 = 15 meters.*(b)
following the radius of the wheel. They can be further subdivided into two classes:[Radial Flow Advantages of Reciprocating Pumps over Centrifugal Pumps:*1 *Higher pressure capabilities:*
Reaction Turbines] (Inward Flow Turbines): In these turbines, water enters the wheel at the Ideal for high-pressure applications where centrifugal pumps struggle. *Precise flow control:*
outer periphery and then flows inwards towards the center of the wheel. A guide mechanism Can deliver exact flow rates regardless of pressure changes. *Self-priming:* Can start with air in
surrounds the runner, and the outer diameter of the runner serves as the inlet, while the inner the suction line, unlike centrifugal pumps.*Handier with viscous fluids:* Less affected by fluid
diameter acts as the outlet.[Outward Flow Turbines]: In these turbines, water enters at the viscosity compared to centrifugal pumps.*(c) Volumetric Efficiency:* Ratio of actual fluid
center of the wheel and then flows outwards towards the outer periphery. The runner delivered by the pump to the theoretical displacement volume of the pump per cycle. Indicates
surrounds the guide mechanism, and the inner diameter of the runner is the inlet, while the how much fluid is lost through leakage or internal inefficiencies.*(d) Use of Air Vessels:*
Reduce pressure fluctuations and pulsating flow in reciprocating pumps. They absorb pressure
spikes during the pump stroke and smooth out the flow by providing a small compressible air
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outer diameter acts as the outlet. Kaplan Turbine}The Kaplan turbine is a propeller- cushion.*(e) Thomas Cavitation Parameter:* A dimensionless number relating flow velocity,
*(i) Application of Momentum Equation:* The momentum equation is a fundamental principle
pressure, and fluid properties. Used to predict the onset of cavitation (bubble formation) in
type water turbine with adjustable blades. It was developed in 1913 by the Austrian professor in fluid mechanics relating the change in momentum of a fluid element to the forces acting on
pumps, which can damage impellers and reduce performance.
Viktor Kaplan. The Kaplan turbine evolved from the Francis turbine and revolutionised power it. Let's explore its application in the context of a *rocket engine's thrust generation*: 1. *Fuel
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNING SYSTEM➤To contain the speed rise within acceptable limits if
production in low-head applications, which were previously challenging for the Francis turbine. combustion:* Inside the combustion chamber, propellants burn, generating hot gases that
the unit gets disconnected from load.➤ To regulate the steam control valve position and hence
Today, Kaplan turbines are extensively used worldwide for high-flow, low-head power rapidly expand.
load generated.➤To control the initial run up and synchronization of the machine➤ To assist in
generation. {Propeller Turbine} The propeller turbine, observed in both ships and submarines, 2. *Gas ejection:* These high-pressure gases are then directed through a nozzle, accelerating
matching the power generated to that demanded by responding to the network frequency
belongs to the category of inward flow reaction turbines. It features a runner with a design them to a high velocity (v).
changes.
reminiscent of a propeller, accompanied by blades that can either remain stationary or be 3. *Momentum change:* According to the momentum equation, the increase in momentum of
adjusted. Within the propeller turbine, the flow of water is managed by manipulating the ejected gases (Δmv) is equal to the net force acting on the system (thrust - nozzle weight).
adaptable guide vanes, also known as wicket gates. These vanes are responsible for directing (4.} *Thrust generation:* As the gases gain momentum and are expelled rearward, a forward
the water towards the runner, facilitating the transfer of its energy to the blades. This type of thrust force (equal and opposite to the change in momentum) is generated, propelling the
turbine is commonly utilised in locations with robust hydraulic conditions, characterised by rocket forward.
elevated water flow rates. (from v to 0 in this case)
{Mixed Flow Turbines}Mixed flow turbines combine both radial and axial flow characteristics. (ii) Radial vs. Tangential Flow Turbines:*{Radial Flow Turbine:*}* Flow enters the runner radially
The flow in these turbines is partly radial and partly axial.Types of Reaction Turbine in Mixed inwards from the periphery and exits axially at the center.* Suitable for high head and relatively
Flow Turbine.{Francis Turbine}The Francis turbine, developed by James B. Francis, is an inward low flow applications.* Examples: Francis turbines, mixed-flow turbines.
flow reaction turbine that combines features of radial and axial flow concepts. It operates {*Tangential Flow Turbine:* }* Flow enters the runner tangentially (parallel to the shaft) and
within a head range of ten meters to several hundred meters and is primarily employed for exits axially.* Suitable for low head and high flow applications.* Examples: Pelton turbines.*(iii)
electrical power generation, with outputs ranging from a few kilowatts to 1000 megawatts. NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head):* NPSH in a centrifugal pump is the minimum absolute
{Gravity Turbine} A gravity turbine, also known as an undershot water wheel, harnesses the pressure required at the pump inlet to prevent cavitation from occurring. It accounts for both
energy of flowing water using the force of gravity. This type of turbine operates by positioning the suction head (distance between the liquid level and pump inlet) and the vapor pressure of
its wheel, typically equipped with blades or buckets, at the bottom of a water source, such as a the fluid.*Calculation:*{NPSH = Atmospheric pressure - Vapor pressure - Friction losses in
river or stream. {Bulb Turbine} A bulb turbine is a compact and innovative hydroelectric turbine suction piping.*Significance:*Maintaining sufficient NPSH is crucial for pump performance and
design that integrates both the generator and turbine components into a single unit resembling longevity. Inadequate NPSH can lead to cavitation, resulting in:* Reduced pump efficiency.*
a bulb-like structure. This turbine is typically installed directly in a water channel, such as a river Damage to impeller blades.* Noise and vibration*(iv) Importance of Turbine Governing:*
or a canal, and operates by capturing the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. The Governing plays a vital role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of a hydropower system
unique design eliminates the need for a separate generator housing and simplifies installation. by controlling the turbine's rotational speed and power output. It ensures: * *Grid stability:*
Water flows through the bulb turbine, driving its rotor, which is connected directly to the Matches power generation with fluctuating electricity demand, preventing grid disturbances.
generator.{Kinetic Turbine} A kinetic turbine operates on the principle of converting the kinetic *Optimal utilization of water resources:* Regulates water flow to maximize efficient power
energy of a high-velocity fluid jet into mechanical energy. This type of turbine is designed to generation based on available water.*Prevention of damage:* Protects the turbine from
harness the energy of free-flowing water, typically with a high head and low flow rate. In a overspeeding or overload conditions that could cause mechanical failure.*(v) Connecting
kinetic turbine, water is directed through a nozzle to create a high-speed jet. The jet strikes the Centrifugal Pumps in Series:* Centrifugal pumps are connected in series when:
turbine's specially designed blades, which are often curved to capture the kinetic energy of the *High head requirement:* Combining the head gains of individual pumps allows for
water efficiently. As the water impacts the blades, its kinetic energy is transferred to the overcoming significantly higher total head compared to a single pump.*Limited space
turbine, causing it to rotate.

constraints:* Using multiple smaller pumps in series might be more feasible than installing a
single large pump that wouldn't fit the available space.*Flow boosting:* Additional pumps can
be added in series to increase the overall flow rate delivered by the system.*Important
considerations:** Each pump in series must be capable of handling the same flow rate.* Total
head requirements and system pressure limits must be met. * Energy consumption increases
due to the combined head losses of each pump.*(vi) Force on a Jet Striking a Fixed Vertical
Plate:* When a jet of fluid with velocity v strikes a fixed vertical plate, the force exerted on the
plate (F) can be calculated using the momentum equation:{*F = ρQΔv*}*Where:** ρ is the fluid
density * Q is the volumetric flow rate of the jet
* Δv is the change in velocity of the fluid.

### Preventing Cavitation in Hydraulic Machines:[a) Cavitation occurs when pressure drops ## Negative Slip in Reciprocating Pumps: (hydropower, pumped storage, etc.) dictate turbine selection.*Cost and efficiency:* Choosing a
below the vapor pressure of the fluid, causing bubbles to form. These bubbles collapse violently c) Negative slip in a reciprocating pump occurs when the actual volume of fluid delivered is less cost-effective turbine with suitable efficiency for the specific site and application is crucial.##
on impellers or blades, damaging them and reducing efficiency.here are some ways to prevent than the theoretical displacement volume of the pump per cycle. This can happen due to:* Defining Key Terms:f) *Impact of Jets:* The force exerted by a fluid jet striking a surface. Used
cavitation: *Increase the NPSH:* Maintain sufficient pressure at the pump inlet by raising the Leakage past pistons or plungers.* Internal clearances and inefficiencies within the pump to analyze turbine blade performance and design efficient water utilization.*Specific Speed:* A
liquid level, reducing pipe friction, or using a larger suction line.*Reduce operating speed:* mechanism.* Pulsating flow caused by the reciprocating motion. Negative slip reduces pump dimensionless parameter relating pump or turbine operating speed, flow rate, and head. Helps
Lowering the pump speed decreases flow velocity and pressure drop, minimizing cavitation efficiency and output flow rate. Minimizing leakage, using tight clearances, and employing air compare performance and predict behavior across different sizes and designs.## Forces on
risk*Modify impeller design:* Optimize the impeller geometry to reduce pressure fluctuations vessels to smooth flow can help mitigate this issue./## Speed Limitations of Reciprocating Turbine Blades:
and improve flow patterns.*Use cavitation-resistant materials:* Utilize materials with higher Pumps without Air Vessels:d) High speeds in reciprocating pumps without air vessels lead g) The lift and drag forces acting on a turbine blade can be described by: *Lift:* Generated by
cavitation strength for impellers and blades. to:*Excessive vibration:* Rapid piston or plunger movement creates powerful shocks, causing the fluid flowing over the blade's curved surface, creating a pressure difference that lifts the
# Significance of Similarity Parameters in Hydraulic Pumps:{b) Similarity parameters are vibration in the pump and connected piping.*Water hammer:* Sudden changes in flow blade.*Drag:* Opposes the blade's movement due to friction between the fluid and the blade
dimensionless numbers relating pump performance characteristics to its geometry and direction due to quick stops and starts amplify pressure waves, potentially damaging the surface.?/The net force on the blade results from the combined effect of lift and drag,
operating conditions. They allow us to:* Predict pump performance for different sizes and system.*Increased wear and tear:* High vibration and internal forces accelerate component determining the torque produced and power output of the turbine. ## Special Feature of
speeds based on a known reference case.* Compare and select pumps for specific applications wear and tear, reducing pump lifespan. Kaplan Turbines:h) Kaplan turbines are a type of adjustable-blade propeller turbine. Their
by analyzing their similarity parameters.* Develop and verify computational models for pump Air vessels absorb pressure spikes and smoothen flow, enabling higher operating speeds special feature is:*Adjustable pitch blades:* The angle of the blades can be changed during
performance prediction. without damaging consequences. operation, allowing for optimal performance under variable flow conditions. This makes them
Commonly used similarity parameters include specific speed, head coefficient, flow coefficient, ## Basis for Turbine Selection:[e) Selecting the right turbine for a specific location depends on suitable for sites with fluctuating water levels or discharge./## Slip Factor: i) Slip factor in
and efficiency coefficient. several factors:*Available head and flow rate:* Different turbine types suit different head and pumps and turbines is the difference between the theoretical and actual flow rate or head. It
flow combinations. For example, Pelton turbines excel at high heads and low flows, while represents the percentage of flow or head "lost" due to internal inefficiencies, leakage, or other
factors. Lower slip factor indicates higher efficiency.## Stalling and Surging:(j) Stalling and
Francis turbines work better with medium heads and medium to high flows.*Site surging are undesirable operating conditions in hydraulic machines:
*Stalling:* Occurs when the flow rate through the machine falls below a minimum value,
characteristics:* Topography, water quality, environmental considerations, and infrastructure causing the blades to lose their effectiveness and power output to drop significantly.*Surging:*
limitations influence turbine choice. Refers to self-sustained oscillations in flow rate and pressure within the machine. It can lead to
*Power requirements and type:* The desired capacity and type of electricity generation vibrations, damage to components, and even shutdowns.