CHAPTER 1

Impulse Hydraulic Turbines

1.1 Introduction
Turbines are used for converting hydraulic energy into electrical energy. The capital
costs of a hydroelectric power scheme (i.e. reservoir, pipelines, turbines, etc.) are higher
than thermal stations but they have many advantages, some of which are:
1. High efficiency
2. Operational flexibility
3. Ease of maintenance
4. Low wear and tear
5. Potentially inexhaustible supply of energy
6. No atmospheric pollution
An impulse turbine is a turbine which runs by the impulse of water. In an impulse
turbine, the water from a dam is made to flow through a pipe line, and then through guide
mechanism and finally through the nozzle. In such a process, the entire available energy of
the water is converted into kinetic energy, by passing it through nozzles; which impinges
on the buckets, fixed to the outer periphery of the wheel.
The jet of water impinges on the buckets with a high velocity, and after flowing
over the vanes, leaves with low velocity; thus imparting energy to the runner. The pressure
of water, both at entering and leaving the vanes, is atmospheric. The common example of
an impulsive turbine is Pelton wheel.
1.2 Description of Pelton Wheel
Pelton turbine is an impulse turbine as there is no pressure drop across the buckets.
The flow is axial, i.e., there is no change in peripheral velocity and water enters and leaves
the buckets at the same radius.
Water supplied is from a high head through a long conduit called penstock. The
water is accelerated in the nozzle and the head is converted into velocity and discharges at
high speed in the form of a jet at atmospheric pressure. The jet strikes deflecting buckets
attached to the rim of a rotating wheel (runner) as shown in Figure (1.1).

1
 The kinetic energy of the jet is lost to the buckets and water discharged at relatively
low speed falls into lower reservoir or tail race. The tail race is set to avoid submerging the
wheel during folded conditions. When large amount of water is available the power can be
obtained by connecting two wheels to a single shaft or by arranging two or more jets to a
single wheel.
The buckets are double hemispherical in shape. The water strikes the bucket in the
centre and flows, out at both sides making a U turn. The surface inside the buckets is
polished and smooth to reduce hydraulic losses. A costly material like bronze or stainless
steel is generally used for the buckets. The buckets are detachable.
When the load is removed the water is suddenly cut off from the nozzle but it is directed to
deflector plate. The deflector plate that comes into operation cuts off water supply to the
wheel. The water from deflector plate goes to the tail race.
The nozzle spear moving inside the nozzle controls water to the turbine. Its operation is
explained in the regulation of turbine.

Fig. (1.1): Elements of a Pelton wheel turbine

2
 Fig. (1.2): Runner of Pelton Wheel

Fig. (1.3): Pelton wheel

A diagram of a Pelton wheel hydroelectric installation is shown in Figure (1.4). The

water supply is from a constant – head reservoir at elevation H 0 above the centre-line of
the jet. A shallow-slope pressure tunnel extends from the reservoir to a point almost
vertically above the location of the turbine. A pipe of almost vertical slope called the
3
penstock joins the end of the pressure tunnel to the nozzle, while a surge tank is installed
at the upper end of the penstock to damp out flow control pressure and velocity transients.
It is emphasized that, compared with the penstock, the pressure tunnel could be
extremely long, its slope is extremely shallow and it should undergo no large pressure
fluctuations caused by inlet valve flow control. The penstock must be protected against the
large pressure fluctuations that could occur between the nozzle and surge tank, and is
usually a single steel-lined concrete pipe or a steel-lined excavated tunnel. At the turbine
end of the penstock is the nozzle, which converts the total head at inlet to the nozzle into a
water jet with velocity C1 at atmospheric pressure.

H0
Ha

Fig. (1.4): Pelton wheel hydroelectric installation

The velocity triangles for the flow of fluid onto and off a single bucket are shown in
Figure (1.5). If the bucket is brought to rest, then subtracting the bucket speed U 1 from the
jet velocity C1 gives the relative fluid velocity W1 onto the bucket. The angle turned
through by the jet in the horizontal plane during its passage over the bucket surface is and
the relative exit velocity is W2 . If the bucket speed vector U 2 is added to W2 in the
appropriate direction, the absolute velocity at exit, C2 , results. It should be realized that

4
the component Cu 2 of C2 can be in the positive or negative x direction depending on the
magnitude of U .

Fig. (1.5): Velocity triangles for a Pelton wheel

1.2.1 The total Theoretical Head

From Euler's turbine equation:
gH 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

H 0  The theoretical overall turbine head

and since in this case Cu 2 is in the negative x direction,

gH0  U  C1  U 2   Cu 2 
gH0  U C1  Cu 2 
gH0  U U  W1   W2 cos180     U 
gH 0  U U  W1   W2 cos  U 

gH 0  U W1  W2 cos 

Therefore
 W 
gH 0  U W1 1  2 cos 
 W1 

 W 
gH 0  U C1  U 1  2 cos 
 W1 

5
  
H0 
U
C1  U 1  W2 cos 
g  W1 

H0 
U
C1  U 1  k cos  (1.1)
g

where k  the relative velocity ratio W2 W1 .

1.2.2 The work done by Pelton wheel
Work Done  g.H 0

Work Done  U C1  U 1  k cos  (1.2)

For maximum work done:
The overall head is given by the equation:

H0 
U
C1  U 1  k cos 
g

Assuming no loss of relative velocity due to friction across the bucket surface W1  W2  ,
So, k  1,

H0 
U
C1  U 1  cos  (1.3)
g

Equation (1.3) can be optimized by differentiating with respect to U . Thus

dH 0 1
 C1  2U 1  cos    0
dU g
or a maximum, and then
C1
C1  2U Or U 
2
Substituting back into Eq. (1.1) gives
C12
H 0 max  1  cos  (1.4)
4g

Maximum Work Done  g.H 0 max

C12
Maximum Work Done  g. 1  cos 
4g

C12
Maximum Work Done  1  cos  (1.5)
4

6
 Fig. (1.6): Efficiencies and jet speed ratio of a Pelton wheel
1.2.3 The power delivered from pelton wheel
(a) Power available from water = Water Power  gQHa
H a  The available (actual) turbine head

(b) Power obtained from pelton wheel

Actual Power = P  gQH0

Actual Power= P  gQ 

UC 1 U 2 
1  k cos  
g

Actual Power = P  QUC1  U 2 1  k cos  

1.2.4 The Volume flow rate from Pelton wheel
The flow rate from pelton wheel is given by the relation:
Q  C1 A

Where: (1) A  the nozzle area or jet area and


A d 2 : d is the nozzle diameter or jet diameter
4
(2) C1  The flow velocity exit form the nozzle (jet velocity)
C1  Cv 2 gH a (1.6)

Cv  The nozzle discharge coefficient

1.2.5 Wheel Tangential Velocity

The ratio D d varies and there is no upper limit, but usually in practice the ratio is varying
between 6  12. and the tangential velocity of the wheel is expressed by:

7
 N
U  D
60
D  Wheel Diameter
N  Rotational speed of the wheel rev min

1.2.6 Specific Speed

The specific speed for pelton wheel can be expressed by:
N P
Ns  (1.7)
 gH a 5 4
Where P  the power delivered by the shaft, Ha is the actual head at turbine entry
N  the rotational speed in rad/s.

1.2.7 Pressure Coefficient

The Pressure Coefficient for pelton wheel can be expressed by the relation
U
 (1.8)
2 gH a

1.3 Efficiencies of a Pelton Wheel

In general, the term efficiency may be defined as the ratio of work done to the
energy supplied. An impulse turbine has the following four types of efficiencies:
1. Hydraulic Efficiency
2. Mechanical Efficiency
3. Overall Efficiency
4. Nozzle efficiency
1.3.1 Hydraulic Efficiency
The hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel can be defied as the ratio between the
power delivered by the pelton wheel and the kinetic energy exit from the nozzle
Power from pelton Whe el
 Hy 
Kinetic energy
gQH 0 gQH 0
 Hy  
1  2 1
m C1 QC12
2 2
gH 0 2 gH 0
 Hy  
1 2
C1 C12
2
8
 2 gH 0 H
 Hy  2
 20
Cv 2 gH a Cv H a
Maximum hydraulic efficiency:

 Hy max 
Maximum Power from pelton Wheel
Kinetic energy
gQH 0 max gQH 0 max
 Hy max  

1 1
m C12 QC12
2 2
g H 0 max 2 g
 Hy max   2 .H 0 max
1 2 C1
C1
2

 Hy max 
2 g C12
1  cos 
C12 4 g

1  cos
 Hy max 
2
1.3.2 Mechanical Efficiency
It has been observed that all energy supplied to the wheel does not come out as
useful work. But a part of it is dissipated in overcoming friction of bearings and other
moving parts. Thus the mechanical efficiency is the ratio of actual work available at the
turbine to the energy imparted to the wheel.
1.3.3 Overall Efficiency
It is a measure of the performance of a turbine, and is the ratio actual power
produced by the turbine to the energy actually supplied to the turbine
Actual Power
Overall Efficiency =  0 
Water Power
ρ.g.Q.H 0
0 
ρ.g.Q.H a

H0
0 
Ha

Actual Power  P   gQH0 but H 0  0 H a

Actual Power  P  0  gQHa

9
 The overall efficiency is lower than the theoretical as well as having a reduced
speed ratio at maximum efficiency. This is due to pipeline and nozzle losses, which will be
discussed in a later section.
1.3.4 Nozzle efficiency
Kinetic Energy at nozzle outlet
Nozzle efficiency 
Kinetic Energy at nozzle inlet

N 
C 2
2
1

C 2
actual
2
1 ideal

N 
C 2
1 actual

C 2
1 ideal

N 
C v 2 gH a  2

 2 gH a  2

Therefore the nozzle efficiency becomes

 N  C v2 (1.9)
1.3.5 Relation between Efficiencies
The hydraulic efficiency is given by the relation:
H0 H0
 Hy  but 0 
Cv2 H a Ha

0 0
 Hy  
Cv2 N
 0   Hy . N (1.10)

10
Example (1.1)
A generator is to be driven by a Pelton wheel with a head of 220 m and discharge rate of
145 L s. The mean peripheral velocity of wheel is 14 m s . If the outlet tip angle of the

bucket is 160 0 , find out the power developed

Solution
H a  220 m U  14 m s

Q  145 L s   1600

C1  Cv 2 gH a  1 2  9.81  220  65.7 m s

 
P  Q C1U  U 2 1  k cos  

P  1000 0.145 1465.7  141  cos160

P  203572.7 W P  203.6 k W
Example (1.2)
A Pelton wheel develops 2000 kW under a head of 100 m and with an overall efficiency of
85%. Find the diameter of the nozzle, if the coefficient of velocity for the nozzle is 0.98.

Solution
P  2000 kW 0  0.85
H a  100 m Cv  0.98

C1  C v 2 gH  0.98 2  9.81 100  43.41 m s

P   0  gQH a

2000103  0.85 1000 9.81 Q 100 Q  2.4 m3 s

Q  C1 . A


Q  C1 . d2
4

2.4  43.41 d2 d  0.265 m  265 mm
4

11
 Example (1.3)
A Pelton wheel develops 740 kW under a head of 310 m . Find the jet diameter if the pelton
wheel overall efficiency is 86% and Cv  0.98.
Solution
H a  310 m 0  0.86
P  740 kW Cv  0.98

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81  310  76.43 m s

P  0  gQHa

740 10 3  0.86 10 3  9.81 Q  310 Q  0.283 m 3 s

Q  C1 A jet


Q  C1 d2
4

0.283  76.43  d2 d  0.069 m
4
Example (1.4)
A Pelton wheel develops 12900 kW at 425 rpm under a head of 505 m . The overall
efficiency of the machine is 84%. Find
(1) Discharge of the turbine,
(2) Diameter of the wheel, and
(3) Diameter of the nozzle.
(4) Hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel
Assume Cv  0.98 , and ratio of bucket speed to jet speed  0.46.
Solution
H a  505 m P  12900 kW
N  425 rpm Cv  0.98
0  0.84 U C1  0.46

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81  505  97.55 m s

U  0.46C1  0.46  97.55  44.87 m s

12
(1) Discharge of the turbine
P  0  gQHa

12900 1000  0.84 1000  9.81 Q  505 Q  3 .1 m 3 s

(2) Diameter of the wheel

N
U  D
60
425
44.87  D D  2.02 m
60
(3) Diameter of the nozzle
Q  C1 A jet


Q  C1 d2
4

3.1  97.55  d2 d  0.20 m
4
(4) Hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel
 N  Cv2  0.982  0.96
 0 0.84
H    0.875
 N 0.96
Example (1.5)
A Pelton wheel of power station develops 30500 hp under a head of 1750 m while
running at 760 rpm with overall efficiency of 84% . Assume Cv  0.98 , and ratio of bucket
speed to jet speed  0.46. . Calculate
(1) The mean diameter of the runner
(2) The jet diameter
(3) Hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel
Solution
H a  1750 m Cv  0.98
P  30500 hp  0.746  22753 kW U C1  0.46
N  760 rpm

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 1750  181.6 m s

13
 U  0.46C1  0.46 181.6  83.54 m s

(1) The mean diameter of the runner

N
U  D
60
760
83.54  D D  2.1 m
60
(2) The jet diameter, and
P  0  gQHa

22753 10 3  0.84 1000  9.81 Q 1750 Q  1.58 m 3 s

Q  C1 A jet


1.58  181.6 d2 d  0.105 m
4
(3) Hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel
 N  Cv2  0.982  0.96
 0 0.84
H    0.875
 N 0.96
Example (1.6)
A generator is to be driven by a small Pelton wheel with a head of 91.5 m at inlet to the
nozzle and discharge of 0.04 m 3 s . The wheel rotates at 720 rpm and the velocity
coefficient of the nozzle is 0.98 . If the overall efficiency of the wheel is 80 per cent and
the ratio of bucket speed to jet speed is 0.46 , determine the wheel-to-jet-diameter ratio at
the centre-line of the buckets, and the speed of the wheel. What is the dimensionless
specific speed of the wheel?
Solution
H a  91.5 m Cv  0.98

Q  0.04 m 3 s U C1  0.46

N  720 rpm 0  0.8

P  0  gQH a

P  0.8 1000 9.81 0.04  91.5  28723.7 W

P  28.72 kW

14
 C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 91.5  41.52 m s

U  0.46C1  0.46  41.52  19.1 m s

(a) The wheel to jet diameter ratio

N
U  D
60
720
19.1  D D  0.507 m
60
Q  C1 A jet


Q  C1 d2
4

0.04  41.52  d2 d  0.035 m
4
D 0.507
Diameter ratio    14.5
d 0.035
(b) Specific speed
N P
Ns 
 gH a 5 4

720
28720
Ns  60  0.0131 rev  2  0.082 rad
1000 9.81  91.5
54

Example (1.7)
A single jet Pelton wheel turbine runs at 305 rpm rpm against a head of 515 m . The jet
diameter is 200 mm , its deflection inside the bucket is 165 0 and its relative velocity is
reduced by 12% due to friction. The velocity coefficient of the nozzle is 0.98 and the ratio
of bucket speed to jet speed is 0.46 . Find
(1) The water power,
(2) Resultant force on the bucket,
(3) Shaft power if the mechanical losses are 4% of power supplied, and
(4) Overall efficiency.
(5) Hydraulic efficiency.

15
 Solution
H a  515 m k  0.88

d  200 mm   1650
N  305 rpm Cv  0.98

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81  515  98.5 m s

U  0.46C1  0.46  98.5  45.31 m s

Q  C1 A jet


Q  C1 d2
4

Q  98.5  0.22 Q  3 .1 m 3 s
4
(1) The water power
Water Power  gQHa

Water Power  1000  9.81 3.1 515  15661665 W

Water Power  15661 .6 k W
(2) Resultant force on the bucket

F  mCu1  Cu 2  Cu1  C1
F  QC1  Cu 2 
Cu 2  W2 cos180     U
Cu 2  W2 cos  U
Cu 2  kW1 cos  U

16
 F  QC1  kW1 cos  U 
F  QC1  k C1  U cos  U 
F  QC1  U 1  k cos 
F  1000 3.198.5  45.311  0.88 cos165 F  305047 N

(3) Shaft power if the mechanical losses are 4% of power supplied

Power Produced by Pelton Wheel  QU C1  U 1  k cos 

Power Produced by Pelton Wheel  F  U

Power Produced by Pelton Wheel  305047 45.31  13821679.6 W
Power Produced by Pelton Wheel  13821.7 kW

Shaft Power  Power Produced - Mechanical losses

Shaft Power  1  0.04Power Produced

Shaft Power  0.96 13821.7  13268.83 kW

(4) Overall efficiency
P  0 gQH a

Shaft Power  0 gQH a

13268.831000  0 1000 9.81 3.1 515

0  0.847 0  84.7%

(5) Hydraulic efficiency

 N  Cv2  0.982  0.96

 0 0.847
H    0.8823
N 0.96

17
 1.4 Pelton Wheel Load Changes
Hydraulic turbines are usually coupled directly to an electrical generator and, since
the generator must run at a constant speed, the speed U of the turbine must remain
constant when the load changes. It is also desirable to run at maximum efficiency and
therefore the ratio U C1 must stay the same. That is, the jet velocity must not change. The
only way left to adjust to a change in turbine load is to change the input water power.
The change in flow rate is effected by noting that: Q  C1 A
The cross-sectional area of the nozzle may be changed by a spear valve, which
alters the jet cross-sectional area as illustrated in Figure (1.7). The position of the spear is
controlled by a servo-mechanism that senses the load change. For a sudden loss of load, a
deflector plate rises to remove the jet totally from the buckets and to allow time for the
spear to move slowly to its new load position. This prevents excessive overspeeding.

Fig. (1.7): Load control by a spear valve and deflector plate

1.5 Pelton Wheel Losses
Head losses occur in the pipelines conveying the water to the nozzle and are
composed of friction and bend losses. Losses also occur in the nozzle and these are
expressed in terms of a velocity coefficient Cv . Finally there are windage and friction
losses in the wheel itself. The total head line is shown in Figure (1.4), where the water
supply is from a reservoir at a head H a above the nozzle. As the fluid moves through the
18
pressure tunnel and penstock up to entry to the nozzle, a frictional head loss h f occurs. A

further head loss hin due to losses in the nozzle takes place so that the head available for
power generation at exit from the nozzle is H .
H 0  H a  h f  hin 

When expressed as kinetic energy per unit weight of flow.

The losses in bucket due to friction could be given in a form of friction coefficient
applying to the relative velocity W;
i.e. W2  W1 x Constant , and this constant equals k . Then, the power equation becomes:
 
P  Q UC1  U 2 1  k cos   (1.11)
Usually  equals 165.
1.6 Design of Pelton Wheel
A pelton wheel is generally designed for a given head of water, power to be developed and
speed of the runner. In modern design orifices, a Pelton wheel is designed to find out the
following data:
1. Diameter of Wheel
2. Diameter of the jet
3. Number of jets (nozzles)
4. Number of the buckets
5. Size (width and depth) of the buckets
While designing a pelton wheel, if sufficient data is not available, then the following
assumptions are made, which are meant for the best results:
(i) Overall efficiency between 80% and 87% (preferably 85% ).
(ii) Coefficient of velocity 0.99 (preferably 0.985 ).
(iii) Ratio of peripheral velocity to the jet velocity as 0.46.
1.6.1 Diameter of Wheel
The diameter of the wheel can be obtained from the tangential velocity of the wheel
which can be expressed as:
N
U  D (1.12)
60
D  Wheel Diameter
19
 N  Rotational speed of the wheel rev min

1.6.2 Diameter of the jet

The ratio D d varies and there is no upper limit, but usually in practice the ratio is
varying between 6  12.
1.6.3 Number of jets (nozzles)

Fig.(1.8): Number of Jets

The total volume flow rate from pelton wheen is given by the relation:
Q  C1 A. n (1.13)
Where: (1) A  the nozzle area or jet area and

A d 2 : d is the nozzle diameter or jet diameter
4
(2) C1  The flow velocity exit form the nozzle (jet velocity)
C1  Cv 2 gH a

Cv  The nozzle discharge coefficient

(3) n  The number of jets (The number of nozzles)

1.6.4 Number of the buckets
The number of buckets, on the periphery of a Pelton wheel, is decided mainly on the
following two principles:

20
1. The number of buckets should be as few as possible, so that there may be as little loss,
due to friction, as possible.
2. The jet of water must be fully utilised, so that no water from the jet should go waste.
The number of buckets of a Pelton wheel cab be obtained by many empirical
formula. One of such formula, which widely used is:

No. of buckets =  15 

D
(1.14)
 2d 
where D = diameter of wheel,
d = jet diameter.
1.6.5 Size (width and depth) of the buckets
In general, the buckets of a Pelton wheel have the following dimensions:
(1) Width of the bucket  5 d
(2) Depth of the bucket  1.2 d
Where: d  the nozzle diameter or jet diameter

21
Example (1.8)
A reservoir with a height of 280 m is connected to the powerhouse of a hydroelectric
plant through three pipes each 2.5 km long and with friction factor 0.006, in which the
head loss is not to exceed 34m. It is a requirement that a total shaft output of 18MW be
developed, and to achieve this it is decided to install a number of single-jet Pelton wheels,
each with a dimensionless specific speed not exceeding 0.23 rad. The ratio of bucket speed
to jet speed is 0.46, while the wheel speed is to be 650 rpm. If the velocity coefficient of
the nozzle is 0.96, and assuming that each wheel has an overall efficiency of 87 per cent,
find
(a) The number of Pelton wheels required,
(b) The wheel diameter,
(c) The jet nozzle diameter and
(d) The diameter of the supply pipes.
Solution
H a  280 m N s  0.23 rad

L  2.5 km  2500 m U C1  0.46

f  0.006 N  650 rpm
hloss  34 m Cv  0.96
Ptotal  18 MW 0  0.87

H a  Gross Head - Head loss

H a  280  34  246 m

(a) The number of Pelton wheels required

The power produced by a pelton wheel can be obtained from
N P
Ns 
 gH 5 4
650
P
0.23  60  2
1000 9.81  246 
54

1807.34  P P  3266477 .9 W  3266 .5 kW

22
 Total power output
Number of Wheels 
Power per Wheel
18  1000
Number of Wheels   5.51
3266.5
Take Number of Wheels =6 Wheel
(b) The wheel diameter
C1  Cv 2 gH  0.96 2  9.81 246  66.7 m s
U  0.46C1  0.46  66.7  30.7 m s

N
U  D
60
650
30.7  D D  0.902 m
60
(c) The jet nozzle diameter
The power produced by a pelton wheel can be obtained from
P  0  gQH

3266.5 1000  0.87 1000  9.81 Q  246 Q  1.556 m3 s

Q  C1 A jet  n


Q  C1 d2 n
4

1.556  66.7  d 2 1 d  0.173 m
4
(d) The diameter of the supply pipes
Total discharge for six machines  1.556 6  9.336 m 3 s

9.336
Total discharge per one pipe   3.112 m 3 s
3
The frictional head loss in the pipe is given by
V2 L
hf  f
2 g d pipe

The velocity of flow in pipe can be obtained from

23
 Q pipe  V Apipe


Q pipe  V 2
d pipe
4
4Q pipe 4  3.112 3.962
V   2
 2
d pipe  d pipe
2
d pipe

V2 L
hf  f
2 g d pipe

2
1  3.962  2500
34  0.006 
2  9.81  d pipe
2  d pipe

2
1  3.962  2500
34  0.006 
2  9.81  d pipe
2  d pipe


d 5pipe  0.353 d pipe  0.812 m

Example (1.9)
A Pelton wheel has a head of 90 m and head lost due to friction in the penstock is 30 m.
The main bucket speed is 12 m s and the nozzle discharge is 1.0 m 3 s . If the bucket has an
angle of 165 0 at the outlet and Cv  0.98, find
(a) The power of Pelton wheel
(b) The overall Head
(c) The hydraulic efficiency.
Solution
H gross  90 m Cv  0.98

H loss  30 m   1650
U  12 m s Q  1.0 m 3 s

(a) Power of Pelton wheel

H a  Grossl Head - Head loss

H a  90  30  60 m

C1  C v 2 gH  0.98 2  9.81 60  33.62 m s

P  QU C1  U 1  k cos 

24
 P  10001.0 1233.62  121  1 cos165

P  510040 W P  510 k W
(b) The overall Head

H0 
U
C1  U 1  k cos  
g

H0 
12
33.62  121  1 cos165 H 0  52 m
9.81
(b) Hydraulic efficiency
H 0 52
0    0.867
H a 60

 N  Cv2  0.982  0.96

 0 0.867
H    0.903
N 0.96

Example (1.10)
The buckets of a Pelton wheel deflect the jet through an angle of 1700 , while the relative
velocity of the water is reduced by 12% due to bucket friction. Calculate the theoretical
hydraulic efficiency from the velocity triangles for a bucket/jet speed ratio of 0.47 .
Under a gross head of 600 m the wheel develops 1250 kW when the loss of head due to
pipe friction between the reservoir and nozzle is 48 m. The bucket circle diameter of the
wheel is 900 mm and there are two jets. The nozzle velocity coefficient is 0.98 . Find the
speed of rotation of the wheel and the diameter of the nozzles if the actual hydraulic
efficiency is 0.9 times that calculated above.
Solution
H gross  600 m U C1  0.47   1700

hloss  48 m k  0.88 D  900 mm

P  1250 kW Cv  0.98

H a  Grossl Head - Head loss

H a  600  48  552 m

25
(a) The speed of rotation of the wheel
C1  Cv 2 gH  0.98 2  9.81 552  102 m s
U  0.47C1  0.47 102  47.94 m s

N
U  D
60
N
47.94    0.9 N  1017 rpm
60
(b) The diameter of the nozzles

H0 
U
C1  U 1  k cos  
g

H0 
47.94
102  47.941  0.88  cos170 H 0  493.13 m
9.81
H 0 493.13
0    0.893
Ha 552

 N  Cv2  0.982  0.96

 0 0.893
 Hy    0.93
N 0.96

 Hy actual  0.9  H

 Hy actual  0.9  0.93  0.837

Power from pelton Whe el

 Hy 
Kinetic energy
Power Power
 Hy  

m C12 0.5QC1
1 2

2
26
 1250 1000
0.837  Q  0.287 m 3 s
0.5  1000 Q  102 2

Q  C1 A jet  n


Q  C1 d2 n
4

0.287  102  d2 2 d  0.0423 m
4
Example (1.11)
Calculate how many jets would be required for a Pelton wheel, which is to develop
9000 kW under 264 m head at a speed of 500 rpm . Assuming that the jet diameter is not to

exceed 1 9 wheel diameter, state also the diameter of the jets, the diameter of the wheel
and the quantity of water required, taking the overall efficiency as 87 % . Assume head
coefficient   0.45 and discharge coefficient Cv  0.98.
Solution
P  0 gQH a

9000 10 3  0.87 1000  9.81 Q  264 Q  4 m3 s

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 264  70.53 m/s

U   2 gH a  0.45 2  9.81 264  32.4 m/s

N
U   D.
60
500
32.4  D D  1.24 m
60
D = Wheel diameter = 1.24 m
d 1

D 9
1 1
d D   1.24  0.1378 m
9 9
Q  C1 A jet .n


Q  C1  d 2 .n
4

4  70.53   0.1378   n n  3.8
2

4
27
 Hence, the number of jets  4
Therefore, 4 jets are needed each having a diameter of:

Q  C1  d 2 .n
4

4  70.53  d2 4 d  0.134 m
4
d 0.134 1
The actual ratio   which is about the same.
D 1.24 9.25
Example (1.12)
It is desired to construct a hydraulic turbine for a hydraulic power plant to operate under
the following conditions: discharge a of water, the available net head = 290 meters, the
hydraulic efficiency = 0.8, the rotating speed = 300 rpm. A Pelton wheel impulse turbine
was selected with the following specifications: the bucket angle   1600 , the coefficient of
velocity for the nozzle is 0.98. Determine:
(a) Pelton wheel diameter (assume the friction coefficient k  0.9 ).
(b) The required number of jets, if the ratio of jet diameter to wheel diameter
 1 10.

Solution
(a) Pelton wheel diameter
P  0 gQH

P  0.8 1000 9.81 3.5  290  7965720 W

C1  Cv 2 gH a

C1  0.98 2  9.81 290  73.92 m s

 
P  Q C1U  U 2 1  k cos 

 
7965720  1000  3.5 73.92U  U 2 1  0.9 cos160 

73.92U U 2  1233.1

U 2  73.92U  1233.1  0

73.92  73.922  4 11233.1

U
2
73.92  23.06
U
2
28
 73.92  23.06 73.92  23.06
U  48.49 m s U  25.43 m s
2 2
N N
U   .D U   .D
60 60
300 300
48.49   .D 25.43   .D
60 60

D  3.1 m D  1.62 m
(b) Total number of jets (b) Total number of jets
1 1 1 1
d D   3.1  0.31 m d D   1.62  0.162 m
10 10 10 10
Q  C1 A jet .n Q  C1 A jet .n

 
Q  C1  d 2 .n Q  C1  d 2 .n
4 4
 
3.5  73.92   0.31  n 3.5  73.92   0.162   n
2 2

4 4
n  0.63 n  2.3

Then, take
D  1.62 m
d  0.162 m
No. of jets  3
Example (1.13)
The following data refer to a Pelton wheel: the bucket angle   1650 , the coefficient of
discharge for the nozzle Cv  0.98 , the friction coefficient k  0.9 . Assume that the
optimum speed ratio differs from 0.5 as a result of losses due to windage and bearing
friction, which are proportional to the square of the rotational speed (take the
proportionality constant equal to 0.2), obtain a formula for the optimum speed ratio, hence
calculate it for the above given data and also calculate the maximum overall efficiency.
Solution
Given   1650 , Cv  0.93, k  0 .9

 
Power  Q Cu1U1  Cu2 U 2  Power Losses

29
 The losses are proportional to U 2 or 0.2 U 2 , where 0.2 is the proportionality
constant.
 
Power  Q C1U  U 2 1  k cos   0.2U 2 
d Power 
 0  QC1  2U 1  k cos   2  0.2U 
dU
QC1  2U 1  k cos   0.4U   0
C1  2U 1  k cos   0.4U  0
C1  2U 1  0.9 cos165  0.4U  0
1.87C1  2U   0.4U
C1  2U  0.214 U
C1  2.214 U
U
U  0.4517 C1  0.4517
C1

For maximum power

 
Max.Power  Q C1U  U 2 1  k cos   JU 2 
  
Max. Power  Q 2.214 U  U  U 2 1  k cos    JU 2

Max. Power  Q2.214 U  U 1  k cos    JU 

2 2 2

Max. Power  Q1.214U 1  0.9 cos165  0.2U 

2 2

Max. Power  2.07018 QU 2

Power
0 
gQH a

 0 max 
Max. Power
gQH a

2.07018 QU 2
 0 max 
gQH a

2.07018U2
 0 max 
gH a

C1  Cv 2 gH a

C12  C v2  2 gH a

30
 gH 
C12

2.214 U 2  2.552 U 2
2Cv2 20.98
2

2.07018U2
 0 max 
gH

2.07018U2 2.07018
 0 max    0.811
2.552U 2 2.552
Example (1.14)
A Pelton wheel with a needle-controlled nozzle develops 750 kW when the total head is
200 m and the jet diameter is 10 cm . The nozzle discharge coefficient Cv  0.98. Assuming

that the total head and wheel efficiency remain constant, determine the percentage
reduction in Q when the horsepower is reduced to 400 kW by
(a) Needle regulation
(b) Partial closure of throttle valve on the pipeline, also obtain the loss of head
across the valve in case (b).
Solution

P1  750 kW H a  200 m d  10 cm .

P2  400 kW

C1  Cv 2 gH  0.98 2  9.81 200  61.4 m/s

Q1  C1 A jet .n


Q1  C1  d 2 .n
4

Q1  61.4   0.1  1  0.482 m 3 s
2

4
(a) Needle regulation
1  2
P1 P2

gQ1 H a gQ2 H a

P1 P2

Q1 Q2

31
 Q2 P2 400 Q2
   0.53333
Q1 P1 750 Q1

(b) Partial closure of throttle valve on the pipeline

1  2
P1 P2

gQ1 H a1 gQ2 H a 2

P1 P2

Q1 H a1 Q2 H a1  H 

C1  Cv 2 gH a 2  0.98 2  9.81200  H   4.34 200  H

Q2  C1 A jet .n


Q2  C1  d 2 .n
4

Q2   0.1  4.34 200  H  0.0341 200  H
2

4
P1 P2

Q1 H a1 Q2 H a1  H 

750 400

0.482  200 0.0341 200  H 200  H 

0.2653200  H 3 2  400

200  H 3 2  1507.73
200  H  131.5 H  68.5 m

Q2  0.0341 200  H  0.0341 200  68.5  0.391 m3 s

Q2 0.391 Q2
  0.811
Q1 0.482 Q1

32
Example (1.15)
For the following two–nozzle Pelton wheel, calculate its efficiency and power output.
Pitch circle diameter of runner is 2.5 m , nozzle diameter is 0.15 m , head on the nozzle
is 1600 m, Cv for nozzle is 0.98, bucket angle at exit is 173, power lost in disk

friction is 5 103 N 3 , power lost in bearing friction is 1.57 N 2 , where N is the speed of
wheel in rpm and power in watts, speed ratio is 0.45 , the relative velocity is reduced
by 10% of its magnitude before leaving the buckets due to friction in buckets.
Solution
D  2.5 m k  0 .9
d  0.15 m Cv  0.98
H a  1600 m   1730
U C1  0.45

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 1600  173.63 m/s

U  0.45C1  0.45  173.63  78.13 m s

N
U  D
60
N
78.13    2.5  N  597 rpm
60
Q  C1 A jet .n


Q  C1  d 2 .n
4

Q  173.63  0.152  2  6.136 m3 s
4
(a) The power
 
Power  Q Cu1U1  Cu2 U 2  Power Losses

  
Power  Q C1U  U 2 1  k cos   6.6 103 N 3  2.1N 2 

Power  QU C1  U 1  0.9 cos173  6.6  103 N 3  2.1N 2 

Power  1.893QU C1  U   6.6 103 N 3  2.1N 2 

Power  1.8933QU 173.63  78.13  5  10 3  5973  1.57  5972 
33
 Power  180.81QU  1063880.86  559562.13

Power  180.81QU  1623443

Power  180.811000 6.136  78.13  1623443

Power  86681341 1623443

Power  85057898 W
Power  85057.9 k W
(b) Overall efficiency
P  o gQH a

85057.9 1000  o 1000  9.81 6.136 1600

85057.9 1000  96310656 o 0  0.883
Example (1.16)
A Pelton wheel working under a head of 100 m produces 500 kW at rotational speed
250 rpm. The overall efficiency of the wheel is 80% and the coefficient of velocity for

the nozzle is 0.98. If the wheel diameter is 1m, find:

(a) Diameter of jet
(b) Width of Buckets
(c) Depth of the buckets
(d) Number of buckets
Solution
H a  100 m  0  0.8

P  500 kW Cv  0.98
N  250 rpm D 1 m

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 100  43.41 m/s

N
U  D
60
250
U    1  13.1 m
60

34
(a) Diameter of jet
P
0 
gQH a

500  1000
0.8  Q  0.637 m3 s
1000  9.81 Q  100

Q  C1 . A jet .n


Q  C1 . d 2 .n
4

0.637  43.41 d 2 1 d  0.137 m  137 mm
4
(b) Width of Buckets
Width of the bucket  5 d  5  0.137  0.685 m
(c) Depth of the buckets
Depth of the bucket  1.2 d  1.2  0.137  0.1644 m
(d) Number of buckets
D
No. of buckets =  15
2d
1
No. of buckets =  15
2  0.137
No. of buckets = 18.65
No. of buckets = 19

35
Example (1.17)
A Pelton wheel working under a head of 60 m produces 400 kW at rotational speed 200 rpm.
The overall efficiency of the wheel is 85% and the coefficient of velocity for the nozzle
is 0.98. Take the velocity of the buckets  0.45 the velocity of the jets. find:
(a) Diameter of the wheel
(b) Diameter of jet
(c) Width of Buckets
(d) Depth of the buckets
(e) Number of buckets
Solution
H a  60 m 0  0.85

P  400 kW Cv  0.98
N  200 rpm U  0.45C1

C1  Cv 2 gH a  0.98 2  9.81 60  33.62 m/s

U  0.45C1  0.45  33.62  15.13 m s

(a) Diameter of the wheel

N
U  D
60
200
15.13    D  D  1.445 m
60
(b) Diameter of jet
P
0 
gQH a

400  1000
0.85  Q  0.8 m3 s
1000 9.81 Q  60

Q  C1 . A jet .n


Q  C1 . d 2 .n
4

0.8  33.62  d 2 1 d  0.174 m  174 mm
4
(b) Width of Buckets
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 Width of the bucket  5 d  5  0.174  0.87 m
(c) Depth of the buckets
Depth of the bucket  1.2 d  1.2  0.174  0.2088 m
(d) Number of buckets
D
No. of buckets =  15
2d
1
No. of buckets =  15
2  0.174
No. of buckets = 17.87
No. of buckets = 18

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 Problems
1.1 A Pelton wheel develops 13000 kW at 430 rpm under a head of 500 m . The overall
efficiency of the turbine is 85%. Find
(1) Discharge of the turbine,
(2) Diameter of the wheel, and
(3) Diameter of the nozzle.
(4) Hydraulic efficiency of pelton wheel
Assume Cv  0.98 , and ratio of bucket speed to jet speed  0.46.
1.2 A Pelton wheel develops 3750 kW under a head of 400 m . Find the total flow and size of
the jet. Assume the overall efficiency of the turbine is 80%, coefficient of velocity 0.97,
speed ratio 0.46. If the wheel diameter to the nozzle diameter is 10, Find the mean
diameter of wheel.
1.3 A Pelton wheel has a mean bucket speed of 15 m s with a jet of water impinging with a
velocity of 40 m s and discharging 450 L s . If the buckets deflect the jet through an
angle of 1650 , find the power generated by the wheel.
1.4 A Pelton wheel has a tangential velocity of buckets of 15 m s . The water is being
supplied under a head of 150 m and the flow rate of 200 L s . If the buckets deflect the
jet through an angle of 1600. If the coefficient of velocity for the nozzle is 0.98, find the
power produced by the wheel and its hydraulic efficiency.
1.5 A Pelton wheel has to develop 5000 kW under a head of 300 m, while running at a speed
of 500 rpm. If the coefficient of velocity for the jet is 0.97, speed ratio is 0.46 and the
ratio of the jet diameter is 1 10 of the wheel diameter, calculate:
(a) Quantity of water supplied to the wheel
(b) Diameter of pitch circle
(c) Diameter of jet
(d) Number of jets
Assume overall efficiency of the wheel is 80%.
1.7 A Pelton wheel working under a head of 350 m at rotational speed 300 rpm. The overall
efficiency of the wheel is 85% and the coefficient of velocity for the nozzle is 0.98. If

38
 the ratio of jet diameter to the wheel diameter is 1 10 . Take the velocity of the
buckets  0.46 times the velocity of the jet. find:
(a) Diameter of the wheel
(b) Diameter of jet
(c) Width of Buckets
(d) Depth of the buckets
(e) Number of buckets
1.8 A Pelton wheel working under a head of 150 m produces 600 kW at rotational speed
360 rpm. The overall efficiency of the wheel is 85% and the coefficient of velocity for

the nozzle is 0.98. Take the velocity of the buckets  0.45 times the velocity of the jets.
find:
(a) Diameter of the wheel
(b) Diameter of jet
(c) Width of Buckets
(d) Depth of the buckets
(e) Number of buckets

39