Hydraulic Turbines

UNIT – IV

Chapter - 14

HYDRAULIC TURBINES

HYDRAULIC PRIME MOVERS

Hydraulic Prime Mover is a device by which the potential and kinetic energy of water may be converted into mechanical work. It requires a continuous supply of water. Hence, there should be a storage of water in a dam. The dam will maintain the supply of water in dry seasons too. The water is taken from a higher level by means of penstock pipes to the prime mover. Examples: Water wheels (obsolete) and Hydraulic (Water) Turbines.

Hydraulic Turbines: Hydraulic turbines are defined as hydraulic machines which convert hydraulic energy (energy possessed by water) into mechanical energy. In other words, hydraulic turbines absorb the energy in falling water and make it available for useful work.

Hydro-Electric Power: The mechanical energy produced by the hydraulic turbine is used in running an electric generator. The generator is directly coupled to the shaft of the turbine. Thus, the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. The electric power which is obtained from the hydraulic energy is known as Hydro-Electric Power or Hydel Power.

1. CLASSIFICATION OF HYDRAULIC TURBINES

The hydraulic turbines are classified as follows:

1. According to the Type of Energy at Inlet of the Turbine

(a) Impulse Turbine and (b) Reaction Turbine

2. According to the Direction of Flow of Water

(a) Tangential Flow turbine: If the water flows along the tangent of the wheel (runner), the turbine is called Tangential Flow Turbine.

(b) Radial Flow Turbine: If the water flows in the radial direction through the runner, the turbine is called Radial Flow Turbine. It may be an inward flow or an outward flow turbine.

(c) Axial Flow Turbine: If the water flows through the runner parallel to the axis of the turbine, it is known as Axial Flow Turbine.

3. According to the Head at the Inlet of the Turbine

(a) High Head Turbine

(b) Medium Head Turbine

(c) Low Head Turbine