Faculty of Engineering & Technology(Co-Edu)

Department of

Mechanical Engineering
B.Tech. 2nd Semester
ESC-Introduction to Mechanical Engineering(22ESC244)
PRASHANT MULGE
M.Tech. in AI & DS, Production Engg, (Ph.D)
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module-IV Faculty of Engineering & Technology (Co-Ed.)
Refrigeration system Sharnbasva University Kalaburagi
& Karntaka-India
Turbines Email: pachimulge@gmail.com Ph.No.: 80955 48003
 What is water Turbine?
Water turbines are machines that convert the kinetic energy and
potential energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy,
which is then typically used to generate electricity. The basic principle
behind water turbines is the conversion of energy from a fluid in motion
into rotational mechanical energy, which can be used for various
purposes.
 Classification of water turbine
 Impulse Turbines: These turbines convert the kinetic energy of water jets or streams into mechanical energy.
Examples include the Pelton turbine and the Turbo turbine.
 Reaction Turbines: These turbines use both kinetic and potential energy from the pressure difference of water to
generate power. Examples include the Francis turbine and the Kaplan turbine.
 FRANCIS TURBINE
The Francis turbine is a type of water turbine that is commonly used in hydroelectric power generation. It was
invented by James B. Francis in the mid-19th century and has since become one of the most widely used turbines in
hydroelectric plants around the world.
Key Components
 Spiral Casing: The outer shell that directs water into the
turbine. It is shaped like a spiral or volute to ensure an
even distribution of water around the turbine's runner.
 Wicket Gates: Adjustable gates that control the flow and
angle of water as it enters the runner. They allow the
turbine to adapt to different flow rates and operating
conditions.
 Runner: The rotating part of the turbine with a series of
curved blades. As water flows through the runner, it spins,
creating mechanical energy.
 Draft Tube: A tube that helps to recover the kinetic energy
from the water exiting the turbine and guide it back to the
river or reservoir.
Working Principle
1. Water Intake: Water is taken from a reservoir or a river through a
penstock, a large pipe that channels the water to the turbine.
2. Flow Control: As the water enters the turbine, it first passes through
the spiral casing, which guides it to the wicket gates. The wicket gates
can be adjusted to control the flow rate and the direction of the water
as it enters the runner.
3. Energy Conversion: The high-pressure water flows through the
wicket gates and impacts the runner blades at a specific angle, causing
the runner to rotate. The water's pressure and kinetic energy are thus
converted into mechanical energy as the runner spins.
4. Mechanical to Electrical Energy: The rotating runner is connected
to a shaft that drives a generator. As the runner spins, the mechanical
energy is transferred to the generator, which converts it into electrical
energy.
Working Principle
5. Exhaust through Draft Tube: After passing through
the runner, the water is directed through the draft tube,
which expands to reduce the pressure and recover
kinetic energy. This recovery helps increase the
efficiency of the turbine.
6. Electricity Generation: The electrical energy
produced by the generator is fed into the power grid or
used locally, providing a source of renewable energy.
 Advantages of the Francis Turbine
High Efficiency:
 Francis turbines are known for their high efficiency, often achieving over 90% efficiency under optimal conditions. This
efficiency makes them a popular choice in hydroelectric plants.
Versatility:
 The Francis turbine can operate over a wide range of flow rates and head heights (the vertical drop of water). This versatility
allows it to be used in a variety of hydroelectric projects, from small-scale to large-scale applications.
Adjustable Wicket Gates:
 The adjustable wicket gates enable precise control of water flow, allowing the turbine to operate at different power levels. This
flexibility helps optimize performance and maintain efficiency even when water flow varies.
Compact Design:
 The compact design of the Francis turbine makes it suitable for installation in a variety of settings, including underground and
confined spaces.
Reliable Operation:
 Francis turbines are robust and durable, providing reliable operation with appropriate maintenance.
 Limitations of the Francis Turbine
Complexity:
 The adjustable wicket gates and other components add complexity to the turbine, requiring skilled
technicians for installation and maintenance.
Environmental Impact:
 The installation of Francis turbines in hydroelectric plants can affect river ecosystems, including fish
migration, water temperature, and flow patterns. Proper mitigation measures are necessary to reduce
these impacts.
Sensitivity to Water Quality:
 Francis turbines can be sensitive to water quality and may require regular maintenance to prevent
clogging and wear from debris or sediments.
Capital Costs:
 The initial capital costs for setting up a Francis turbine can be high, particularly for large-scale
hydroelectric projects. However, the long-term benefits often justify the investment.
Applications of the Francis Turbine
Hydroelectric Power Plants:
 The most common application is in hydroelectric power generation, where the Francis turbine is used to convert water
energy into electricity.
Run-of-River Installations:
 Francis turbines are suitable for run-of-river hydroelectric projects, where water flow is consistent, and the turbine operates
with minimal reservoir storage.
Pumped-Storage Plants:
 In pumped-storage hydroelectric plants, Francis turbines can be used in both generating and pumping modes, contributing
to energy storage and grid stability.
Small and Large Dams:
 The Francis turbine's versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of dam types and sizes, from small micro-hydro
projects to large hydroelectric dams.
 KAPLAN TURBINE
A Kaplan turbine is a type of water turbine that is specifically designed to convert the energy of low-head and high-
flow water into mechanical energy, which can then be used to generate electricity. It is a reaction turbine, which means it
utilizes both the pressure and kinetic energy of water to operate. The Kaplan turbine is characterized by its adjustable
propeller-like blades and ability to operate efficiently across a range of flow rates and water heads.
COMPONENTS
 Spiral Casing: Directs water into the turbine and ensures an
even distribution of flow.
 Wicket Gates: Adjustable gates that control the amount and
direction of water flow toward the runner.
 Runner: The rotating part of the turbine with adjustable
blades. The blades can be adjusted (pitched) to maintain
optimal efficiency across varying flow rates.
 Draft Tube: The final part of the turbine that recovers kinetic
energy from the exiting water, improving efficiency.
WORKING
WATER INTAKE:
 Water is channeled from a reservoir or river through a penstock, which directs the flow into the
turbine's spiral casing. This casing guides the water around the turbine's circumference,
ensuring even distribution.

CONTROL BY WICKET GATES:

 The water flows through adjustable wicket gates. These gates can be opened or closed to
control the flow and direction of the water as it enters the turbine. This feature allows the
turbine to operate efficiently even when water flow rates vary.

ENERGY CONVERSION AT THE RUNNER:

 The controlled water flow then hits the adjustable blades of the runner. The water's kinetic and
pressure energy cause the runner to rotate. Since the runner blades can be adjusted, they can be
optimized for varying flow rates, maintaining high efficiency.

MECHANICAL TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY:

 The rotation of the runner creates mechanical energy. This energy is transferred to a generator,
converting it into electrical energy for use in the power grid or other applications.
WATER EXIT VIA DRAFT TUBE:
 After passing through the runner, the water is directed through a draft tube, which helps recover
kinetic energy and guides the water back into the river or reservoir. The draft tube's shape is
designed to reduce turbulence and optimize the energy recovery process.
Click on the link to watch
Working of Kaplan Turbine
 PELTON TURBINE
A Pelton turbine is a type of impulse turbine used for hydroelectric power generation. It is designed to convert the
kinetic energy of high-speed water jets into mechanical energy, which is then used to drive a generator and produce
electricity. The Pelton turbine is typically used in high-head, low-flow applications, where water is delivered at high pressure
from a significant height.
COMPONENTS

 Penstock: A pipe or conduit that channels high-pressure

water from a reservoir or dam to the turbine.
 Nozzle: The part that converts the pressure energy of the
water into kinetic energy, forming a high-speed jet.
 Runner: The rotating part of the turbine with a series of
spoon-shaped buckets that capture the high-speed water jets.
 Deflector: A mechanism to divert or stop the water jet,
allowing for control over the turbine's operation.
 Tailrace: The outlet where water exits after interacting with
the runner.
WORKING
Water Intake and Pressure Build-Up:
 Water is drawn from a reservoir or dam, where it has
accumulated at a high elevation. It is channeled through
the penstock, which leads to the turbine's nozzle. The
vertical drop (head) provides the potential energy,
which is converted to pressure in the penstock.
Conversion to Kinetic Energy:
 The high-pressure water is forced through the nozzle,
which converts its potential and pressure energy into
kinetic energy, resulting in a high-speed jet of water.
Impact on the Runner:
 The high-speed jet is directed at the runner's buckets.
The spoon-shaped design of the buckets allows the jet
to be split and redirected, transferring its kinetic energy
to the runner and causing it to rotate.
WORKING
4. Mechanical to Electrical Energy:
• The spinning runner generates mechanical energy. This
energy is transmitted through a shaft to a generator, which
converts it into electrical energy for distribution to the
power grid or other uses.
5. Control with Deflector:
• A deflector can be used to divert the jet away from the
runner when needed, allowing for control of the turbine's
operation and safety during maintenance.
6. Jet Discharge:
• After hitting the runner, the water exits through the tailrace
at a reduced speed and energy level, returning to a river or
reservoir.
Click on the link to watch
Working of Pelton Turbine
 COMPARISONS BETWEEN

PELTON-FRANCIS-KAPLAN TURBINES