HYDRAULIC TURBINES

Hydraulic turbine which are generally known as water turbine used to convert hydraulic
energy or we can say that energy of water (kinetic and pressure energy of water) into
mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is further used to drive a generator which converts
it into electrical energy. The basic concept of this type of turbine is that water flowing from a
dam generates a pressure force while passing through the turbine. This pressure force uses to
rotate the turbine which further rotate the generator and convert hydraulic energy into electrical
energy

Working Principle

According to Newton’s law a force is directly proportional to the change in momentum.

So, if there is any change in momentum of fluid a force is generated. In the hydraulic turbine
blades or bucket (in case of Pelton wheel) are provided against the flow of water which change
the momentum of it. As the momentum is change a resulting pressure force generated which
rotate the rotor or turbine. The most important phenomenon is the amount of change in
momentum of water which is directly proportional to force. As the change in momentum high
the force generated is high which increase the energy conversion. So, the blade or buckets are
designed so it can change maximum momentum of water. This is the basic principle of turbine.
These turbines are used as hydroelectric power plant.
Types

The hydraulic turbine can be classified according to the energy available at inlet,
direction of flow of water, Specific speed, head available at inlet etc. These all types are
described as below

1.) According to Type of Energy Available at Inlet:

Impulse Turbine:

Impulse turbine is those turbines which are use impulse energy or we can say kinetic
energy of water to rotate the turbine. In this type of hydraulic turbine all pressure head or
pressure energy is converted into velocity head or kinetic energy at the inlet of turbine by using
nozzle. This high-speed water jet strikes the blade or bucket of turbine which develop a force
which rotate it. Only kinetic energy changes at the inlet and outlet of turbine and the pressure
of water remain same. This kind of turbine is known as impulse turbine. There is various design
available of impulse turbine but the Pelton wheel most suited for it. These are generally high
head and low discharge hydraulic turbine.

Reaction Turbine:

As the name implies these turbines is used pressure energy of water to rotate the turbine.
In practically no turbine can purely use pressure energy. So, it used both its pressure energy
and kinetic energy. These turbines rotate partially due to impulse action and partially due to
pressure change over the runner blades. The water flow over blades covert both its kinetic
energy as well as pressure energy into force and rotate the turbine. The change in pressure
energy of water known as degree of reaction of the turbine. So, it is known as reaction turbine.
They are generally low head, high discharge turbine.

2.) According to Direction of Flow:

Tangential Flow Turbine:

In this hydraulic turbine the water flow through tangent of runner. The water jet strikes
the runner tangentially and rotates the turbine. Example Pelton wheel turbine
 Pelton Turbine

Radial Flow Turbine:

In this type of turbine, the water flows in radial direction. This is subdivided into two types.
The first one is known as inward radial flow in which the water flows from periphery to the
centre. Example Francis turbine. Second one is known as outward flow radial turbine in which
water flow towards periphery from centre.

Francis Turbine

Axial Flow Turbine:

In this hydraulic turbine, the water flow from the axis of turbine. Example Kaplan turbine

Mixed Flow Turbine:

When the water enters the turbine radically and exit axially or vice versa, it is known as mixed
flow turbine.
 Kaplan Turbine

3.) According to Head of Water Available at Inlet:

High Head Turbine:

If the water level or water reservoir is above 150 – 2000 m from the axis of turbine, it
is known as high head turbine. It is best suited for impulse turbine.

Medium Head Turbine:

If the water level varies from 30 -130 m from the axis of the turbine, it is known as
medium head turbine. Example Francis Turbine

Low Head Turbine:

If the water level is below 30 meters from the axis of turbine, it is known as low head
turbine. These hydraulic turbines required high discharge rate to work efficiently. Example
Kaplan turbine.

4.) According to Specific Speed of Turbine:

Low Specific Speed Turbine:

If the specific speed is less than 50 the turbine is considered as low specific speed
turbine. Example Pelton wheel
Medium Specific Speed Turbine:

If the specific speed is between 50 – 150, it is considered as medium specific speed

turbine. Example Francis Turbine

High Specific Speed Turbine:

If the specific speed of turbine is above 250 it is known as high specific speed turbine.
Example Kaplan Turbine

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Hydro power plant or we can say that hydraulic turbines are widely used form the last decades.
It is an efficient renewable energy source. There are many up and downs in every project so
there are also have many advantages and disadvantages which are describe below.

Advantages:

 It is a renewable energy source. Water energy can be used again and again.
 The running cost of turbine is less compare to other.
 It has high efficiency.
 It can be control fully. The gate of dam is closed when we does not need electricity and
can be open when we needed.
 Dams are used from very long time so it can be used for power generation.
 It does not pollute environment.
 It is easy to maintain.
 The dam constructed for hydraulic turbine can become a tourist place.

Disadvantages:

 Initial cost is very high. It takes several decades to become profitable.

 It can destroy the natural environment at site. Large dam cause big geological damages.
 It can develop at only few sites where proper amount of water is available.