5.

0 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The Pelton turbine is the most visually obvious example of an impulse machine. A
spear valve directs a jet of water at a series of buckets which are mounted on the
periphery of a rotor. As the water exiting the spear valve is at atmospheric pressure,
the force exerted on the rotor is entirely due to changes in the direction of the flow of
water. The Pelton turbine is therefore associated with considerable changes of kinetic
energy but little change in pressure energy. The spear valve allows the jet diameter
to be varied which allows the water flow rate to be varied with a constant jet velocity.
Large turbines may include more than one spear valve around the periphery of the
rotor.

The operating characteristics of a turbine are often conveniently shown by plotting

torque T, water power Pw, and overall turbine efficiency Et against turbine rotational
speed n for a series of volume flow rates Q, as shown in chart provided. It is important
to note that the efficiency reaches a maximum and then falls, whilst the torque falls
constantly and linearly. The optimum conditions for operation occur when the required
'duty point' of head and flow coincides with a point of maximum efficiency.

The performance curve for a turbine can be derived in the same ways as for pump,
though it is usual to treat the speed as the principle variable when plotting mechanical
power, efficiency, torque and discharge (water power).

Mechanical power, Turbo efficiency,

Pm = Torque x Angular velocity η % = 𝑀𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑥100

T = force x radius (Nm)

ω = 2𝜋𝑁60 , N = Rev/min (rad/s)

Water Power
Pw = ρgHQ (W)
Where:
ρ = density of water, 1000 kg/m3
g = 9.82 m/s2
H = inlet head (pressure) m
Q = flow rate m3/s
6.0 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE

6.1 EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

6.2 PROCEDURE
1. The apparatus is positioned into the working channel of the bench and connect to
the bench supply using the quick release connector.

2. The band brake is lifted assembly until it is clear of the brake drum.
3. Switch on the bench pump.

4. The bench control is opened valve fully.

5. The spear control valve is adjusted to 5m inlet pressure (H) indicated on the
pressure gauge and the flow rate is noted.

6. The band brake is lowered assembly over brake drum and adjust band brake until
a convenient reading (i.e. 10N) is indicated on the right-hand spring balance loads and
Rev/min (indicated on the tachometer) for each different applied load.

7. The experiment is repeated using 10m and 15m inlet pressure.

10. APPENDIX

Picture 10.1: Raw data taken during experiment

Picture 10.2: Raw data taken during experiment

Picture 10.3: The apparatus of Pelton Turbine experiment