HYDRAULIC TURBINES

INTRODUCTION

This report examines the hydraulic turbines, specifically the impulse turbine and the reaction
turbine. It enumerates the different classifications of hydraulic turbines; presents the schematic
diagrams of impulse and reaction turbines; and explains the specific speed of hydraulic turbines. Again,
the discussion includes sample problems that illustrate or analyze the system and design computations.

The Key Terms and Concepts to Remember summarizes important definitions, principles, and
other details related to hydraulic turbines.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, students should be able

1. Define hydraulic turbine

2. Enumerate the different classifications of hydraulic turbines;
3. Differentiate impulse turbine from reaction turbine;
4. Draw the schematic diagrams of the systems for reaction turbine and impulse turbine;
5. Determine and calculate the effective head of reaction and impulse turbines from the schematic
diagram;
6. Calculate the friction loss in the penstock;
7. Calculate specific speed and determine the types of hydraulic turbines in terms of specific
speed; and
8. Analyze and solve problems involving reaction and impulse turbines.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

1. Hydraulic turbines are water wheels in which the motion of water relative to its bucket is
essential to its action.
2. Hydraulic turbines are machines that convert the energy of an elevated water supply into
mechanical energy through a rotating shaft.
3. Hydraulic loss is the loss in fluid power due to flow friction within the system.
4. Hydroelectric power plant is a facility where electric energy is produced by hydroelectric
generators. In this facility:
 Water is the main source of energy
 Kinetic energy and potential energy are converted to mechanical work.
 Hydraulic turbine is the prime mover.
 Input power is the water horsepower.
 Output power is the turbine horsepower.
CLASSIFICATION OF HYDRAULIC TURBINES

1. According to the action of water

a. Impulse turbine
b. Reaction turbine
2. According to the direction of water flow
a. Radial outward
b. Radial inward
c. Axial or parallel
d. Mixed radial
3. According to the position of shaft
a. Vertical turbine
b. Horizontal turbine

IMPULSE TURBINE

Impulse turbine is a hydraulic turbine or a prime mover in which fluid under pressure enters a
stationary nozzle where its pressure (potential) energy is converted to velocity (kinetic) energy and
absorbed by the rotor.

 It is also known as tangential wheel or Pelton wheel.

 The name Pelton is acknowledge and honor its inventor Lester A. Pelton of California.
 The wheel passage is not completely filled with water.
 The water acting on wheel is always atmospheric.
 It utilizes kinetic energy of high velocity jet.
 It is used for high head above 200 ft but most commonly applied to heads above 700 ft.
 The range of head from 200 to 700 ft is used for small units.
 Heads of 5000 ft have been used in European installations.
 Impulse turbine’s efficiencies vary for about 82% to 90%.
 The net effective head is measured at the bottom of the pitch circle of the runner with no
consideration given to the water level at the tailrace (because there is no draft tube).

REACTION TURBINE