Hydraulic turbines

Hydraulic turbines are devices that convert the energy of water into mechanical energy.

Types of Hydraulic Turbines:

Impulse Turbines: These turbines are designed to operate under high head (pressure) conditions. The
water jet with high velocity strikes the turbine blades, converting the kinetic energy into mechanical
energy. Examples include Pelton turbines.

Reaction Turbines: These turbines are used in low to medium head conditions. Water flows through
the turbine, and both kinetic and pressure energy are utilized. Common types include Francis turbines
and Kaplan turbines.

Pelton Turbines or Pelton Wheels:

Pelton turbines are impulse turbines specifically designed for high-head applications. They
have a set of spoon-shaped blades arranged around the circumference of a wheel. A high-velocity jet
of water from a nozzle strikes the buckets, causing the wheel to rotate.
Construction & Working

1. Runner and Buckets:

The main component of a Pelton turbine is the runner, which is a wheel with a series of cup-
shaped buckets or vanes evenly spaced around its circumference. Each bucket is shaped like a
double-cup or a split bowl, and water is directed onto the buckets in the form of a high-speed jet.

2. Nozzles and Jets: Water from a high-pressure source, such as a penstock, is directed through
one or more nozzles toward the buckets on the runner. The nozzles are adjustable to control
the flow rate and maintain optimal efficiency under varying conditions.
3. Casing: The casing of a Pelton wheel, also known as the casing or turbine housing that
surrounds the Pelton runner. It acts as a safeguard or protective cover and prevent splashing
of water from the runner.

Working:

The high-velocity jet of water strikes the buckets tangentially, causing the buckets to deflect
the water in the opposite direction. The impact of the water jet imparts kinetic energy to the
buckets, causing the runner to rotate.

Francis Turbines:
Francis turbines are reaction turbines suitable for medium-head applications.
Construction Details:

1. Runner: The heart of the Francis turbine is the runner, which is a rotating part with blades.
The runner is mounted on a shaft and is placed inside the turbine casing. The blades are
designed to be both fixed and adjustable, allowing for control over the turbine's performance
under varying conditions.
2. Spiral Casing or Turbine Casing: The turbine casing surrounds the runner and guides the flow
of water through the turbine. It is designed to maintain the pressure of the water as it passes
through the runner blades. The casing typically has spiral-shaped guide vanes that direct the
water onto the runner blades.
3. Guide Vanes: Adjustable guide vanes are used to regulate the flow of water into the runner.
By changing the angle of the guide vanes, the operator can control the amount of water
entering the runner and, consequently, the turbine's power output.
4. Draft Tube: After passing through the runner, the water exits the turbine through a draft tube.
By providing a gradually expanding passage for the water, the draft tube helps increase the
pressure at the exit point.
5. Shaft and Generator: The runner is connected to a shaft, and as the runner rotates due to the
force of the flowing water, the shaft also rotates. This rotational motion is then used to drive
a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Working

Water enters the turbine through a spiral-shaped casing and passes through a runner with
both fixed and moving blades. The kinetic and pressure energy of the water is converted into
mechanical energy.

Kaplan Turbines:
Kaplan turbines are reaction turbines designed for low-head, high-flow conditions.

Construction Details:

1. Runner: The runner is a propeller-like device with blades. The blades are typically mounted on
a hub, and the entire runner assembly is attached to a vertical or horizontal shaft.
2. Spiral Casing or Turbine Casing: The turbine casing surrounds the runner and is designed to
guide the flow of water efficiently. It is equipped with adjustable guide vanes that direct the
water onto the runner blades.
3. Hub and Blades: The hub of the runner contains the mechanism for adjusting the blades. The
blades are designed to rotate around the hub axis, and their angle can be changed to suit the
operating conditions.
4. Draft Tube: After passing through the runner, the water exits the turbine through a draft tube.
By providing a gradually expanding passage for the water, the draft tube helps increase the
pressure at the exit point.
5. Shaft and Generator: The rotating motion of the runner is transferred to a shaft. The shaft is
connected to a generator, and as it rotates, the generator converts the mechanical energy
into electrical energy.
 Working

The Kaplan turbine is an axial-flow reaction turbine designed for high flow rates and low to
medium heads. Water enters the turbine through a spiral-shaped casing and passes through a runner
with both fixed and moving blades. The kinetic and pressure energy of the water is converted into
mechanical energy.

Hydraulic Pumps

Hydraulic pumps are mechanical devices that are used to move fluids, typically liquids, by
converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

Rotodynamic pump

A rotodynamic pump is a type of pump that imparts energy to a fluid by means of a rotating
element. Ex: centrifugal pumps.

Positive Displacement Pump

A positive displacement pump is a type of pump that moves a fluid by trapping a fixed amount of it
and then forcing that trapped volume into the discharge pipe. These pumps deliver a constant amount
of fluid. Ex: Reciprocating Pump

Centrifugal pump

A centrifugal pump is a type of rotodynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to impart
kinetic energy to a fluid, which is then converted into potential energy as it flows through the pump
casing.

Components of a Centrifugal Pump:

1. Impeller:

The impeller is a rotating component with vanes or blades. Its primary function is to generate
centrifugal force by rotating with an electric motor.

2. Casing:

The casing, or volute, surrounds the impeller and is designed to direct the flow of fluid. The
shape of the casing gradually expands in the direction of flow, helping convert kinetic energy into
pressure energy.
 3. Suction and Discharge pipes:

The pump has inlet and outlet pipes for fluid. The fluid is drawn into the pump through the
suction pipe, accelerated by the impeller, and expelled through the discharge pipe.

4. Shaft:
The impeller is mounted on a shaft, and the shaft is connected to the driver (such as an electric
motor or an engine) that provides the necessary rotational power.
5. Foot Valve ort Strainer
It prevents backflow, maintains the pump prime, filters out debris, and contributes to the
overall reliability and efficiency of the pumping system

Working Principle of a Centrifugal Pump:

Priming

Priming a centrifugal pump is the process of filling the pump casing and suction piping with the fluid
to be pumped before starting the pump to expel air entrapped. Proper priming is essential for
centrifugal pumps to create the necessary suction and initiate the flow of fluid.
Suction Phase:

As the impeller rotates, it creates a centrifugal force that propels the fluid away from the
center of rotation. This creates a low-pressure zone (vacuum) at the impeller's eye, causing fluid to be
drawn into the pump through the suction port.

Acceleration of Fluid:

The rapidly spinning impeller imparts kinetic energy to the fluid, causing it to accelerate
radially outward.

Conversion of Kinetic Energy to Pressure Energy:

As the fluid moves through the expanding volute or casing, the kinetic energy is gradually
converted into pressure energy.

Discharge Phase:

The pressurized fluid is then forced out through the discharge pipe and into the system or piping.