170 MECHANICAL ENGINEER’S DATA HANDBOOK

4.7.5 Impulse (Pelton) water turbine Available head H = (HIoI-H,)

Shaft power P =p g H q ,
This is a water turbine in which the pressure energy of Jet velocity V = C , m
the water is converted wholly to kinetic energy in one Mean bucket speed U = nDN
or more jets which impinge on buckets disposed
around the periphery of a wheel. The jet is almost nd2 V
Flow through jet Q=- 4
completely reversed in direction by the buckets and a
high efficiency is attained. Formulae are given for the
optimum pipe size to give maximum power, and for
+
Hydraulic efficiency qh = 2r( 1- I ) ( 1 k cos 0)
the jet size for maximum power (one jet). U
where: r =-, 0 =bucket angle (4-7”),
V
Symbols used:
k =friction coefficient (about 0.9).
8=bucket angle
H =available head
H,,, =total head Maximum efficiency (at r =0.5): qh(max)=
+
(1 k cos 8)
H, = friction head 2
D =mean diameter of bucket wheel Overall efficiency qo=qhqm
D, =pipe diameter
d =jet diameter
Maximum power when H r = - = L .
HtOI 4ftv2
Hence:
p =water density 3 29Dp
f= pipe friction factor
L=length of pipe
N = wheel speed
C , =jet velocity coefficient
Optimum size of supply pipe D,=
F -
(approximately)
V=jet velocity
V, =pipe velocity
qo=overall efficiency
Jet size for maximum power d = -
(z)’
T------l- H

4.7.6 Reaction (Francis) water turbine

The head of water is partially converted to kinetic

energy in stationary guide vanes and the rest is
converted into mechanical energy in the ‘runner’. The
water first enters a spiral casing or volute and then into
the guide vanes and a set of adjustable vanes which are
used to control the flow and hence the power. The
water then enters the runner and finally leaves via the
‘draft tube’ at low velocity. The draft tube tapers to
R
reduce the final velocity to a minimum.