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

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.

Modification, Simulation and Demonstration of Laboratory Scale Pelton Turbine for Waterfall Hydropower Plant

“…It was concluded by the team that the optimum operational condition was achieved by using a smaller diameter and with a higher flow rate. Raj, [28], designed a modified gravitational Pelton-wheel for a low-head and heavy-discharge application. The runner has bucket cups whose stored water enables the delivery of two kinds of gravitational work on the runner wheel.…”

“…(27) Where: is the power rating of the pump, is the impeller angular velocity, is the delivery head and is the pump efficiency. The water horsepower required to deliver the head is obtained from Equation 28: (28) Where:…”

3d CFD Simulation and Experimental Study of a Water Jet Impingement

“…In these types of water turbines, the kinetic energy of water jet extracts when strikes the blades or buckets on the rim of the runner turbine where the kinetic energy converts into mechanical work (Yassen, 2014). Hydraulic energy is one of the most attractive renewable energy (Obayes and Qasim, 2017;Kapooria, 2009). It is necessary for the researchers understand how the water jet deflection produces a force on the vanes, in order to correctly understand how the impulse turbine (a Pelton wheel, for example) works.…”