An efficiency assessment analysis of a modified gravitational Pelton-wheel turbine

Raj Kumar Kapooria

National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, India and Faculty Mechanical Workshops Affiliated M. D. University Rohtak, India

ABSTRACT

A Pelton-wheel impulse turbine is a hydro mechanical energy conversion device which converts gravitational energy of elevated water into mechanical work. This mechanical work is converted into electrical energy by means of running an electrical generator. The kinetic energy of the Water-jet is directed tangentially at the buckets of a Pelton-wheel. The Water-jet strikes on each bucket's convex profile splitter and get split into two halves. Each half is turned backwards, almost through 180° relative to the bucket on a horizontal plane. Practically this angle may vary between 165° to 170°. Normally all the jet energy is used in propelling the rim of the bucket wheel. Invariably some jet water misses the bucket and passes onto the tail race without doing any useful work. This hydro device is a good source of hydro-electrical energy conversion for a high water head. The present work in this research paper deals with some advanced modifications in the conventional Pelton-wheel so that it can be used for low-head and heavy-discharge applications. Both kinetic and potential energy of the water source is consumed by the runner wheel. Considerable gravitational effect of the water jet is exploited by means of some modifications in a conventional Pelton-wheel. A comparatively heavy generator can be run by this modified Pelton-wheel turbine under low-head and heavy-discharge conditions. The modified features provide enough promising opportunities to use this turbine for Mini and Micro hydro power plants.

Keywords: efficiency, gravitation, hydro, impulse, jet-propulsion, kinetic-head, Pelton-wheel efficiency, potential-head, torque, water head, water-jet

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Received 27 April 2009
Revised 9 September 2009