Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

FLUID MECHANICS AND MACHINES

MODULE 5
BY DR TUSHAR CHOUDHARY
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

ABOUT FLUID MECHANICS AND MACHINES COURSE

Course Title: Fluid Mechanics and Machines
Proposed Course Number: ME308
Units: Lecture 3 Tutorial 1 Lab 2 Credit 4
Mode: Core
Evaluation Scheme: Lab Work (20%) Quiz I-II (10%), Mid-Term (25%), Assignment (10%), End-Term (35%)
Semester: III
Programme: BTech
Learning Objective:
• Understand the basics of fluid statics, kinematics and dynamics, used in the applications of Aerodynamics, Hydraulics,
Marine Engineering, Gas dynamics etc.
• Understand the importance of flow and pressure measurements and its applications in Industries
• Recognize the basic design concepts of a pipe flow and understand the various losses in a flow system.
• Realize the significance of non-dimensional parameters.
• Carry out dimensional analysis and establish relationship between the dependent and independent variables
• Understand boundary layer formation and concepts related to flow separation
• Accquire knowledge about the testing of fluid machineries for its performance characteristics
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DETAILED COURSE CONTENT

Module I
Fluid Statics: Definition of Fluid & Characteristics – Concept of Continuum - Properties of fluids- Classification of
Fluids – Pascal’s and Hydrostatic Law- Hydrostatic Forces on Different Surfaces – Determination of Total Pressure
and Centre of Pressure – Buoyancy – Centre of Buoyancy – Metacentre – Conditions of Equilibrium for Submerged
and Floating Bodies.

Module 2
Fluid Kinetics, Dynamics & Flow Through Pipes: Description of Fluid Motion – Lagrangian and Eulerian Methods –
Types of Fluid Flow – Stream Function and Velocity Potential – Rotation – Vorticity – Flow Lines, Reynolds Transport
Theorem – Continuity Equation – Euler’s Equation – Bernoulli’s Equation and its Practical Applications
Hydraulic and energy gradient – Laminar flow through circular conduits and circular annuli-Boundary layer concepts –
types of boundary layer thickness – Darcy Weisbach equation –friction factor- Moody diagram- commercial pipes-
minor losses.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DETAILED COURSE CONTENT

Module 3
Dimensional Analysis: Dimensional analysis and similitude, dimensionless parameters, kinematic and dynamic
similarity.

Module 4
Pumps: Impact of jets – Euler’s equation – Theory of roto-dynamic machines – various efficiencies– velocity
components at entry and exit of the rotor- velocity triangles – Centrifugal pumps– working principle – work done by
the impeller – performance curves – Reciprocating pump- working principle – Rotary pumps –classification.

Module 5
Turbines: Classification of turbines – heads and efficiencies – velocity triangles. Axial, radial and mixed flow turbines.
Pelton wheel, Francis turbine and Kaplan turbines- working principles – work done by water on the runner – draft tube.
Specific speed – unit quantities – performance curves for turbines – governing of turbines
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

LIST OF PRACTICAL

[1] To determine Coriolli's Component of Acceleration at various speeds of rotation.

[2] To calculate the Coefficient of Discharge Cd, Coefficient of Velocity Cv, and Coefficient of Contraction Cc for
various heads over orifice fitted in the side of a tank. And to draw a relationship between these coefficients and the size
of the orifice
[3] To compute Piezo-metric head and draw Hydraulic Gradient Line for the given flow passage
[4] To determine friction factor for the given pipes and also plot friction factor vs Reynold’s number for all the pipes
and compare it with the Moody’s chart.
[5] To determine Experiments performance and operating characteristics of turbines
[6] To determine Experiments performance and operating characteristics of centrifugal pumps - reciprocating
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

TEXT BOOKS & REFERENCE BOOKS:

Text Books:
1. Yunus A. Çengel, John M. Cimbala (2013) Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals And Applications,
McGraw-Hill, 3rd Edition.
2 Dr.R.K.Bansal, (2012), A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, 5th Edition,
Laxmi Publication.
Reference Books:
1. Robert W. Fox, Alan T. McDonald, Philip J. Pirtchard John W. Mitchell (2015), Introduction to
Fluid Mechanics, 9th Edition, Wiley Publications.
2. P.N.Modi and S.M.Seth (2011), Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics including Hydraulic Machines,
17th Edition.
3. Donald F. Elger, Barbara C. Williams, Clayton T. Crowe, John A. Roberson (2013) Engineering
Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 10th Edition.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

TOPICS
1. Classification of Turbines
2. Selection of Turbines
3. Design of Turbines - Pelton, Francis, Kaplan
4. Draft Tube
5. Surge Tanks
6. Governing of Turbines
7. Unit Speed, Unit Discharge, Unit Power
8. Characteristic Curves of Hydraulic Turbines
9. Similitude or Model Anlysis
10. Cavitations
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CLASSIFICATION OF TURBINES
1. According to type of energy at Inlet
a) Impulse Turbine - Pelton Wheel
Requires High Head and Low Rate of Flow
a) Reaction Turbine - Fancis, Kaplan
Requires Low Head and High Rate of Flow
2. According to direction of flow through runner
a) Tangential Flow Turbine - Pelton Wheel
b) Radial Flow Turbine - Francis Turbine
c) Axial Flow Turbine - Kaplan Turbine
d) Mixed Flow Turbine - Modern Francis Turbine
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CLASSIFICATION OF TURBINES
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

COMPARISON
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CLASSIFICATION OF TURBINES
3. According to Head at Inlet of turbine
a) High Head Turbine - Pelton Wheel
b) Medium Head Turbine - Fancis Turbine
c) Low Head Turbine - Kaplan Turbine
4. According to Specific Speed of Turbine
a) Low Specific Speed Turbine - Pelton Wheel
b) Medium Specific Speed Turbine -Fancis Turbine
c) High Specific Speed Turbine - Kaplan Turbine
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO SPECIFIC SPEED OF

TURBINES
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CLASSIFICATION OF TURBINES
5. According to Disposition of Turbine Shaft
a) Horizontal Shaft - Pelton Wheel
b) Vertical Shaft - Fancis & Kaplan Turbines
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

PELTON WHEEL
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

PELTON
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

PELTON WHEEL WITH MULl l L E JETS

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF PELTON WHEEL

Guidelines:
1. Jet Ratio = Pitch Diameter of wheel / Dia. of Jet = D/d
2. Speed Ratio = Velocity of Wheel / Velocity of Jet = u/V

3. Velocity of Wheel,
4. Overall Efficiency , OR

5. Water Power, W.P. = ½mV2 = ρgQH

6. Shaft Power, S.P. =
7. No. of Buckets = (0.5 x Jet Ratio) + 15
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF PELTON WHEEL

• Fig (a) shows the shape of the vanes or buckets of the
Pelton wheel.
• The jet of water from the nozzle strikes the bucket at the
• splitter, which splits up the jet into two parts.
• These parts of the jet, glides over the inner surfaces and
• comes out at the outer edge.

• Fig. (b) shows the section of the bucket at Z-Z. The

splitter is the inlet tip and outer edge of the bucket is the
outlet tip of the bucket.
• The inlet velocity triangle is drawn at the splitter and
outlet velocity triangle is drawn at the outer edge of the
bucket
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF PELTON WHEEL

H = Net head acting on the Pelton wheel
= Hg- hf
𝟒𝒇𝑳𝑽𝟐
Hg =Gross head and hf =
𝑫∗ 𝟐𝒈
where D* = Dia. of Penstock,
N = Speed of the wheel in r.p.m.,
D = Diameter of the wheel,
d = Diameter of the jet.
Then The force exerted by the jet of water in the direction of motion is given by
V1 =Velocity of jet at inlet= 2gH Fx = ρaV1 [Vw1 + Vw2)
𝝅
𝝅𝑫𝑵 a= Area of jet = 𝒅𝟐
u = u1 = u2 = 𝟒
𝟔𝟎 Work done by the jet on the runner per second
The velocity triangle at inlet will be a straight line where W= Fx x u= paV1 [Vw1 + Vw2] x u Nm/s
Vr1 = Vl – u1 = Vl - u Power given to the runner by the jet
Vw1 = Vl
α = 0° and θ = 0°
From the velocity triangle at outlet, we have Hydraulic efficiency of the turbine
Vr2 = Vr1 and Vw2 = Vr2 cos ϕ - u2•
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
A Pelton wheel has a mean bucket speed of 10 metres per second with a jet of water flowing at the rate of 700
litres/s under a head of 30 metres. The buckets deflect the jet through an angle of 160°. Calculate the power
given by water to the runner and the hydraulic efficiency of the turbine. Assume co-efficient of velocity as 0.98.
Solution. Given :
Speed of bucket, u = u1 = u2 = 10 m/s
Discharge, Q = 700 litres/s = 0.7 m3/s,
Angle of deflection= 160°
Angle, ϕ= 180°- 160° = 20°
Co-efficient of velocity, Cv = 0.98.
The velocity of jet,
Head of water, H =30m Vw2 =Vr2cosϕ-u2
VI = Cv 2gH =2.94m/s
= 23.77 m/s Work done by the jet per second on the runner
Vr1 = V1 – u1= 23.77 - 10 ρaV1 [Vw1 + Vw2] x u
=186970 Nm/s Hydraulic efficiency of the turbine
= 13.77 m/s
Vw =V1= 23.77 m/s Power given to turbine
= 0.9454 or
From outlet velocity triangle, =186.97 kW. Ans 94.54%. Ans.
Vr2 = Vr1 = 13.77 m/s
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF PELTON WHEEL

Problems:
A Pelton wheel has to develop 13230 kW under a net head of 800 m while
running at a speed of 600 rpm. If the coefficient of Jet C y = 0.97, speed ratio is
0.46 and the ratio of the Jet diameter is 1 /16 of wheel diameter. Calculate
i) Pitch circle diameter
ii) The diameter of jet
iii) the quantity of water supplied to the wheel
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF PELTON WHEEL

Problems:
3. Design a Pelton wheel for a head of 80m. and speed of 300 RPM. The Pelton
wheel develops 110 kW. Take co-eficient of velocity= 0.98, speed ratio= 0.48 and
overall efficiency = 80%.
4. A double jet Pelton wheel develops 895 MKW with an overall efficiency of 82%
under a head of 60m. The speed ratio = 0.46, jet ratio = 12 and the nozzle
coefficient = 0.97. Find the jet diameter, wheel diameter and wheel speed in
RPM.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

FRANCIS TURBINE
The inward flow reaction turbine
having radial discharge at outlet is
known as Francis Turbine, after the
name of J.B.
Francis, an American engineer who
in the beginning designed inward
radial flow reaction type of turbine.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

FRANCIS TURBINE
In the modern Francis turbine, the water
enters the runner of the turbine in the
radial direction at outlet and leaves in the
axial direction at the inlet of the runner.

Thus the modern Francis Turbine is a

mixed flow type turbine
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

FRANCIS TURBINE
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF FRANCIS TURBINE

Guidelines:
1. Velocity of Wheel,

2. Work done per second or Power,

3. Velocity of Wheel,

4. Discharge,
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF FRANCIS TURBINE

In Francis turbine, the discharge is radial at outlet, the Diameter of wheel at inlet (D1)
velocity of whirl at outlet (i.e., Vw2) will be zero

the work done by water on the runner per second will be

W= ρQ[Vw1u1]

Hydraulic efficiency Width of the wheel at inlet (B1)

𝑽𝒘𝟏 𝒖𝟏
𝜼 Q =πD1x B1 x Vf1
𝒈𝑯

The guide blade angle, i.e., a. From inlet velocity triangle

The wheel vane angle at inlet, i.e., θ Water power

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
A Francis turbine with an overall efficiency of 75% is required to produce 148.25 kW power. It is working under a
head of7.62 m. The peripheral velocity= 0.26 2gH and the radial velocity of flow at inlet is 0.96. 2gH. The
wheel runs at 150 r.p.m. and the hydraulic losses in the turbine are 22% of the available energy. Assuming radial
discharge, determine :
(i) The guide blade angle, (ii) The wheel vane angle at inlet,
(iii) Diameter of the wheel at inlet, and (iv) Width of the wheel at inlet.
Solution
Given :
Overall efficiency, 0 = 75% = 0.75
Power produced, S.P. = 148.25 kW
Head, H= 7.62 m
Peripheral velocity, u1 = 0.26 2gH = 0.26 x 2x 9.81 x7.62= 3.179 m/s
Velocity of flow at inlet, Vf1 = 0.96 2gH = 0.96 x 2x 9.81 x7.62 = 11.738 m/s
Speed, N = 150 r.p.m.
Hydraulic losses= 22% of available energy
Discharge at outlet =Radial
Vw2 = 0 and vf2 = v2
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
(iii) Diameter of wheel at inlet (D1).
D1= 0.4047 m. ( Ans.)
(iv) Width of the wheel at inlet (B1)

Vw1= 18.34 m/s.

(i) The guide blade angle, i.e., a. From inlet velocity triangle Q=2.644m3/s
α=32.619° (Ans.) Using equation, Q =πD1x B1 x Vf1

B1= 0.177 m. Ans.

(ii) The wheel vane angle at inlet, i.e., θ

θ = 37.74° (Ans.)
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF FRANCIS TURBINE

Problems:
1. A reaction turbine works at 450 rpm under a head of 120 m. Its diameter at inlet is
1.2 m and the flow area is 0.4 m2 . The angle made by the absolute and
relative velocities at inlet are 20º and 60º respectively with the tangential
velocity. Determine
(i)The discharge through the turbine
(ii)power developed (iii) efficiency.
Assume radial discharge at outlet.
2. A Francis turbine has inlet wheel diameter of 2 m and outlet diameter of 1.2 m.
The runner runs at 250 rpm and water flows at 8 cumecs. The blades have a
constant width of 200 mm. If the vanes are radial at inlet and the discharge is
radially outwards at exit, make calculations for the angle of guide vane at inlet
and blade angle at outlet
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

KAPLAN TURBINE
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

KAPLAN
Tu r b i n e
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

FRANCIS TURBINE
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF KAPLAN TURBINE

Guidelines:
1. Velocity of Wheel, where

2. Work done per second =

3. Velocity of Flow at Inlet and Outlet are equal

4. Discharge,

5. Flow Ratio =
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Do

Db

Kaplan Turbine
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF FRANCIS TURBINE

Some Important Point for Propeller (Kaplan Turbine). The
following are the important points for propeller or Kaplan turbine :
1. The peripheral velocity at inlet and outlet are equal

2. Velocity of flow at inlet and outlet are equal

3. Area of flow at inlet = Area of flow at outlet

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
A Kaplan turbine working under a head of 20 m develops 11772 kW shaft power. The outer diameter of the runner is 3.5 m and
hub diameter is 1. 75 m. The guide blade angle at the extreme edge of the runner is 35°. The hydraulic and overall efficiencies
of the turbines are 88% and 84% respectively. If the velocity of whirl is zero at outlet, determine :
(i) Runner vane angles at inlet and outlet at the extreme edge of the runner, and
(ii) Speed of the turbine.
Solution. Given : U2
Head, H=20m
Shaft power, S.P. = 11772 kW
Outer dia. of runner, D0 =3.5m
Hub diameter, Db= 1.75 m
Guide blade angle, α= 35° Q= 71.428 m3/s.
Hydraulic efficiency, h = 88% Using equation
Overall efficiency, 0 = 84%
Velocity of whirl at outlet, Vw2 = 0.
Using the relation, Vf1= 9.9 m/s
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
From inlet velocity triangle, For Kaplan turbine,
u1 = u2 = 12.21 m/s and Vf1 = Vf2 = 9.9 m/s
From outlet velocity triangle
Vw1 =14.14 m/s ϕ = 39.035°. Ans.
Using the relation for hydraulic efficiency,
(ii) Speed of turbine is given by
u1 = 12.21 m/s.

(i) Runner vane angles at inlet and outlet at

the extreme edge of the runner are given as: N= 66.63 r.p.m. Ans.

θ = 78.97° or. Ans.

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DESIGN OF KAPLAN TURBINE

 Problems:
1. A Kaplan turbine develops 9000 kW under a net head of 7.5 m.
Overall efficiency of the wheel is 86% The speed ratio based on outer
diameter is 2.2
 and the flow ratio is 0.66. Diameter of the boss is 0.35 times the
external diameter of the wheel. Determine the diameter of the runner and
the specific speed of the runner.
2. A Kaplan turbine working under a head of 25 m develops 16,000 kW
shaft power. The outer diameter of the runner is 4 m and hub diameter is 2
m. The guide blade angle is 35˚. The hydraulic and overall efficiency are
90% and 85% respectively. If the velocity of whirl is zero at outlet,
determine runner vane angles at inlet and outlet and speed of turbine.
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

SELECTION OF TURBINE
Francis

Pelton

Kaplan
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

DRAFT TUBE
The water after working on the turbine, imparts its energy to the vanes and runner,
there by reducing its pressure less than that of atmospheric Pressure. As the water flows
from higher pressure to lower Pressure, It can not come out of the turbine and hence a
divergent tube is Connected to the end of the turbine.

Draft tube is a divergent tube one end of which is connected to the outlet Of the
turbine and other end is immersed well below the tailrace (Water level).

The major function of the draft tube is to increase the pressure from the inlet to outlet
of the draft tube as it flows through it and hence increase it more than atmospheric
pressure. The other function is to safely Discharge the water that has worked on the
turbine to tailrace.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Stop logs

valve
Headwater

Scrl!l!n

Power house
Dam Generator

Penstock

Draft Tube
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

TYPES OF DRAFT TUBE

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

GOVERNING OF TURBINES
 The governing of a turbine is defined as the operation by which the speed of the turbine is kept constant under
all conditions of working.
 It is done automatically by means of a governor, which regulates the rate of flow through the turbines
according to the changing load conditions on the turbine.
 Governing of a turbine is necessary as a turbine is directly coupled to an electric generator, which is required
to run at constant speed under all fluctuating load conditions.
 The frequency of power generation by a generator of constant number of pair of poles under all varying
conditions should be constant.
 This is only possible when the speed of the generator, under all changing load condition, is constant.
 The speed of the generator will be constant, when the speed of the turbine ( which is coupled to the generator)
is constant.
When the load on the generator decreases, the speed of the generator increases beyond the normal
speed (constant speed). Then the speed of the turbine also increases beyond the normal speed. If the
turbine or the generator is to run at constant (normal ) speed, the rate of flow of water to the turbine
should be decreased till the speed becomes normal. This process by which the speed of the turbine (and
hence of generator ) is kept constant under varying condition of load is called governing.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

GOVERNING OF TURBINES
Governing means Speed Regulation.
Governing system or governor is the main controller of the hydraulic turbine. The governor varies the water
flow through the turbine to control its speed or power output.

1. Impulse Turbine
a) Spear Regulation
b) Deflector Regulation
c) Combined

2. Reaction Turbine
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Needle valve

Governor of Pelton Wheel

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

GOVERNING OF PELTON TURBINE

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Performance of Turbines under unit quantities

The unit quantities give the speed, discharge and power for a particular
turbine under a head of 1m assuming the same efficiency. Unit quantities
are used to predict the performance of turbine.

1. Unit speed (Nu) - Speed of the turbine, working under unit head

2. Unit power (Pu) - Power developed by a turbine, working under a unit head

3. Unit discharge (Qu) - The discharge of the turbine working under a unit head
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

SPECIFIC SPEED OF TURBINE

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
A turbine develops 9000 kW when running at 10 r.p.m. The head on the turbine is 30m. If the head on the turbine is
reduced to 18 m, determine the speed and power developed by the turbine.
Solution. Given :
Power developed, P 1 = 9000 kW
Speed, N1 = 100 r.p.m.
Head, H1 =30m
Head Decreased to, H2 =18m
Speed =N2
Power = P2
Using equation

= 77.46 r.p.m. Ans

= 4182.84 kW. Ans.

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

QUESTION
A turbine develops 500 kW power under a head of 100 metres at 200 r.p.m. What would be its normal speed and
output under a head of 81 metres ?.
Solution. Given :
Power developed, P 1 = 500 kW
Speed, N1 = 200 r.p.m.
Head, H1 =100m
For a Head, H2 =81m
Speed =N2
Power = P2
Using equation

= 180 r.p.m. Ans

= 364.5 kW. Ans.

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

UNIT QUANTITIES & SPECIFIC SPEED

Problems:
1. Suggest a suitable type of turbine to develop 7000 kW power under a head
of 20m while operating at 220 rpm. What are the considerations for your
suggestion.
2. A turbine is to operate under a head of 25m at 200 rpm. The discharge is 9
m3/s. If the efficiency is 90%, determine:
i) Power generated ii) Speed and Power at a head of 20m
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OF TURBINE

These are curves which are characteristic of a particular turbine which helps in
studying the performance of the turbine under various conditions. These
curves pertaining to any turbine are supplied by its manufacturers based on actual
tests.

The characteristic curves obtained are the following:

a) Constant head curves or main characteristic curves
b) Constant speed curves or operating characteristic curves
c) Constant efficiency curves or Muschel curves
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OF TURBINE

• Main characteristic curves are obtained by maintaining a constant head and a constant gate
opening (G.O.) on the turbine.
• The speed of the turbine is varied by changing load on the turbine.
• For each value of the speed, the corresponding values of the power (P) and discharge (Q) are
obtained.
• Then the overall efficiency (0) for each value of the speed is calculated.
• From these readings the values of unit speed (Nu), unit power (Pu) and unit discharge (Qu) are
determined. Taking Nu as abscissa, the values of Qu, Pu, P and 0 are plotted as shown in Figs.
• By changing the gate opening, the values of Qu, Pu and  0
• and Nu are determined and taking Nu as abscissa, the values of Qu, Pu and  0 are plotted. Fig.
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OF TURBINE

Main characteristic curves for a Pelton wheel

Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OF TURBINE

Main characteristic curves for a Kaplan and Francis

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Constant head curves or main characteristic curves

Constant head curves:

Maintaining a constant head, the speed of the turbine is varied by admitting different
rates of flow by adjusting the percentage of gate opening. The power P developed is
measured mechanically. From each test the unit power Pu, the unit speed Nu, the
unit discharge Qu and the overall efficiency are determined.

The characteristic curves drawn are

a) Unit discharge vs unit speed
b) Unit power vs unit speed
c) Overall efficiency vs unit speed
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Constant speed curves or operating characteristic curves

Constant speed curves:

In this case tests are conducted at a constant speed varying the head H and
suitably adjusting the discharge Q. The power developed P is measured
mechanically. The overall efficiency is aimed at its maximum value.

The curves drawn are

 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Constant speed curves or operating characteristic curves

• Operating characteristic curves are plotted when the speed on the turbine is constant.
• In case of turbines, the head is generally constant. There are three independent parameters
namely N, H and Q. For operating characteristics N and H are constant and hence the variation
of power and efficiency with respect to discharge Q are plotted.
• The power curve for turbines shall not pass through the origin because certain amount of
discharge is needed to produce power to overcome initial friction.
• Hence the power and efficiency curves will be slightly away from the origin on the x-axis, as to
overcome initial friction certain amount of discharge will be required. Fig. shows the variation of
power and efficiency with respect to discharge
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Operating characteristic curves.

Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CONSTANT EFFICIENCY CURVES OR MUSCHEL

CURVES
Constant efficiency curves:
These curves are plotted from data which can be obtained from the constant
head and constant speed curves. The object of obtaining this curve is to determine
the zone of constant efficiency so that we can always run the turbine with
maximum efficiency.

This curve also gives a good idea about the performance of the turbine at
various efficiencies.
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

Constant efficiency curve.

Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

P for full gate opening

N
Constant Efficiency curv es for Reaction turbine
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

SIMILITUDE OF TURBINES
Dimensionless Numbers:

Where
Q = Discharge
N = Speed of Wheel
D = Dia. of Wheel
H = Head
P = Shaft Power
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

SIMILITUDE OF TURBINES - PROBLEMS

Problems:
1. A hydraulic turbine develops 120 KW under a head of 10 m at a speed of
1200 rpm and gives an efficiency of 92%. Find the water consumption and
the specific speed. If a model of scale 1: 30 is constructed to operate under a
head of 8m what must be its speed, power and water consumption to run
under the conditions similar to prototype.
2. A model turbine 1m in diameter acting under a head of 2m runs at 150 rpm.
Estimate the scale ratio if the prototype develops 20 KW under a head of 225
m with a specific speed of 100.
 Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

CAVITATIONS
If the pressure of a liquid in course of its flow becomes equal to its vapour pressure
at the existing temperature, then the liquid starts boiling and the pockets of vapour
are formed which create vapour locks to the flow and the flow is stopped. The
phenomenon is known as cavitation.

To avoid cavitation, the minimum pressure in the passage of a liquid flow, should
always be more than the vapour pressure of the liquid at the working temperature.
In a reaction turbine, the point of minimum pressure is usually at the outlet end of
the runner blades, i.e., at the inlet to the draft tube.
Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

METHODS TO AVOID CAVITATIONS

Dr Tushar Choudhary Fluid Mechanics and Machines Module 5

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