Kaplan Turbine

Before talking about the difference let’s see some similarities-

1. Both turbines are reaction type turbines.

2. Both turbine produced power due to both kinetic energy and pressure energy.

Differences Between Francis and Kaplan Turbine

1. Type of Turbine
France Turbine is mixed flow Turbine since water enters radially but leaves turbine axially.
Kaplan Turbine is axial flow turbine since water enters axially and leaves turbine axially.

2. Mounting of shafts
France Turbine mounting of shaft may be vertical or horizontal in direction.
Kaplan Turbine mounting of shaft is only in vertical direction.

3. Number of vanes
France Turbine has very large number of blades 16 to 24
Kaplan Turbine has very small number of blades 4 to 8

4. Adjustment of runner vanes

France Turbine Runner vanes are fixed with the shaft so it can’t be adjusted.
Kaplan Turbine Runner vanes are adjustable.

5. Head
France Turbine medium head is required generally in the range of (100-500) meter.
Kaplan Turbine very low head is required generally less than 100 meter head is required.

6. Flow Rate
France Turbine medium flow rate is required
Kaplan Turbine very large flow rate is required

7. Specific Speed
France Turbine specific speed is medium in general it varies from 50 to 250.
Kaplan Turbine specific speed is high in general it varies from 250 to 1000.
8. Losses in Runner
Francis turbine contact surface b/w solid and liquid more due to more no. of blades so losses
in runner is high.
Kaplan turbine contact surface b/w solid and liquid less due to less no. of blades so losses in
runner is less.
9. Mechanism
Francis turbine governing mechanism is not so complex.
Kaplan turbine governing mechanism is complex.

Thanks for reading.

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