Learn about the 10 types of water turbines used for efficient hydroelectric power generation, each suited to specific hydraulic conditions.
Understanding the 10 Types of Water Turbines Used in Hydroelectric Power Generation
Water turbines are a critical component in hydroelectric power systems, harnessing the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. The type of turbine used can significantly affect the efficiency and capacity of a hydroelectric power plant. This article explores ten types of water turbines commonly employed in the industry.
1. Pelton Wheel
The Pelton wheel, named after engineer Lester Allan Pelton, is an impulse turbine used predominantly for high head, low flow water sources. It features buckets attached to the rim of the wheel where jets of water strike and push the wheel, creating rotational energy which is then converted into electricity.
2. Turgo Turbine
Similar to the Pelton wheel but designed to handle a higher water flow at a slightly lower head, the Turgo turbine is an impulse type with inclined buckets that allows water to pass through the turbine after striking it, facilitating more effective use of water’s energy.
3. Crossflow (Banki-Michell) Turbine
A crossflow turbine features a drum-like rotor with blades that water flows through twice, first from the outside and then from the inside. This type is particularly suited for low head and high flow scenarios and is valued for its simplicity and tolerance to debris.
4. Francis Turbine
The Francis turbine is a common reaction turbine, versatile in its application for medium head and flow conditions. The water flows radially inward and then axially upward, driving the runner and converting hydraulic energy into mechanical energy efficiently.
5. Kaplan Turbine
Designed for low head and high flow applications, the Kaplan turbine features adjustable blades, allowing for operational flexibility and optimization according to varying water flow conditions. It’s a propeller-type reaction turbine that efficiently converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy.
6. Propeller Turbine
Similar to the Kaplan but typically with fixed blades, the propeller turbine is also well-suited for installations with high water flow and low head. The simplicity of the design is beneficial for reducing construction and maintenance costs.
7. Bulb Turbine
The bulb turbine integrates a Kaplan turbine into a streamlined bulb shape to minimize disruption in water flow, commonly used in tidal and low-head river installations. It’s excellent for sites where a compact, integrated design is necessary.
8. Straflo Turbine
The Straflo or tubular turbine features a generator integrated around the periphery of the turbine runner, optimizing the flow path of water through the turbine and generator assembly. It’s especially used in low head applications with a straight flow path.
9. Tyson Turbine
A variation of the traditional water wheel, the Tyson turbine is a modern adaptation that allows for more efficient energy capture in low head sites without significant environmental disturbances, often used in small scale and micro hydro installations.
10. Gorlov Helical Turbine
Developed for use in flowing water with no significant head, the Gorlov helical turbine has a vertical axis and a twisted blade design reminiscent of DNA strands. It’s commonly employed in tidal and small river installations to capture energy from flowing water effectively regardless of the direction.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of water turbine is essential for optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of a hydroelectric power system. Each turbine type is designed to perform best under specific hydraulic conditions and has its own set of advantages and suitability. Understanding these turbines helps in the architectural planning and operational performance of hydro energy projects globally.