Group 3 Work
Group 3 Work
GROUP 3
Numerical Assignment: Solve problems to calculate hydraulic efficiency, power, and velocity
triangles for Pelton and Francis turbines.
Hydraulic turbines operate on principles of fluid mechanics, and understanding them involves
calculating their efficiency, power output, and analyzing velocity triangles to assess fluid flow.
Below is a breakdown of the problems and methods for solving such assignments for Pelton and
Francis turbines.
Hydraulic Efficiency (ηh ) is the ratio of power delivered to the runner ( Pr ) to the water power
available ( Pw ).
Pr
ηh = ×100
Pw
Where:
Pw = ρgQH
Pr
Use ηh = ×100.
Pw
P=ηh × Pw
The velocity triangle analyzes the flow before and after interaction with turbine blades. For
Pelton turbines:
Analyze inlet and outlet triangles, considering absolute velocity (V ), relative velocity (V r
), and blade velocity (U ).
Use the equations:
WorkDone=ρQ ( V w 1 ⋅U−V w 2 ⋅U )
Where V w 1 and V w 2 are whirl components of velocity.
Here are five more solved examples involving hydraulic turbines (Pelton and Francis turbines) to
calculate hydraulic efficiency, power, and analyze velocity triangles. Each example is detailed
with step-by-step solutions:
1. Hydraulic Efficiency of a Pelton Turbine
Problem:
A Pelton turbine has a water jet velocity (V ) of 60 m/s , bucket velocity (u) of 30 m/s , and an
efficiency coefficient (k ) of 0.98. The jet deflection angle (θ ) by the bucket is 165∘. Calculate the
hydraulic efficiency.
Solution:
Hydraulic efficiency (ηh ) is given by:
2 u ( V cos θ−u )
ηh = 2
V
Substituting values:
2 ⋅30 ( 60 ⋅−0.966−30 )
ηh =
3600
2 ⋅30 (−57.96−30 )
ηh =
3600
−5280
ηh = =0.94 or 94 %
3600
Problem:
Water flows at 1.2 m 3 /s under a head of 50 m . The overall efficiency of the turbine is 85 % .
Calculate the power output.
Solution:
Theoretical power ( Pt ) is:
Pt =ρgQH
Where:
3
ρ=1000 kg/m (density of water)
2
g=9.81 m/s (gravity)
3
Q=1.2 m /s (flow rate)
H=50 m (head)
Pt =1000 ⋅9.81 ⋅1.2⋅50=588600 W =588.6 kW
Problem:
A Francis turbine has the following velocities:
Solution:
Rearranging:
V r =√ V 21−u21 +2 u1 V f
Substituting values:
For α :
α =tan
−1
( )
Vf
u1
=tan
−1 10
15 ( )
−1
=tan ( 0.6667 )
∘
α ≈33.7
Problem:
A Francis turbine operates under a head of 60 m with a flow rate of 1.5 m 3 /s . The overall
efficiency is 90 % . Find the hydraulic efficiency if the mechanical efficiency is 95 % .
Solution:
Overall efficiency:
η o=ηh ⋅ηm
Rearranging:
η o 0.9
ηh = = =0.947 or 94.7 %
η m 0.95
Problem:
A Francis turbine receives water at 2.0 m 3 /s under a head of 75 m . If the efficiency of the turbine
is 88 % , calculate the developed power.
Solution:
Theoretical power:
Pt =ρgQH
Substituting values:
Actual power:
Case Study:
Compare Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan turbines based on their suitability for different heads and
flow rates.
Below is a concise and structured breakdown of the provided text into four clear and concrete
pages, each focusing on specific aspects of the comparison.
Overview of Hydraulic Turbines
Hydraulic turbines are critical in hydroelectric power generation, optimized for specific
conditions of head (waterfall height) and flow rate. Three main turbine types—Pelton, Francis,
and Kaplan—serve varying needs.
Pelton Turbine
Key Characteristics
Type: Impulse
Best Use Case: High-head (150m to over 2000m) and low-flow conditions, e.g.,
mountain streams.
Advantages:
Superior efficiency at high heads.
Durable, simple maintenance due to robust design.
Limitations:
Ineffective for low-head conditions.
Requires clean water to avoid damage to nozzles and buckets.
Applications:
Remote high-altitude installations where steep terrains are common.
Francis Turbine
Key Characteristics
Type: Reaction
Best Use Case: Medium-head (20m to 300m) and moderate to high-flow scenarios.
Advantages:
Versatile, works efficiently across a broad range of conditions.
Compact design handles higher flow rates than Pelton turbines.
Limitations:
Efficiency decreases at extreme heads.
Moderate maintenance required for complex internal components.
Applications:
Medium-scale hydroelectric plants in large rivers or reservoirs.
Kaplan Turbine
Key Characteristics
Type: Reaction
Best Use Case: Low-head (1.5m to 20m) and high-flow settings, such as wide rivers or
tidal projects.
Advantages:
Adjustable blades ensure efficiency even under fluctuating flows.
Optimal for large-scale, low-head hydroelectric plants.
Limitations:
High initial cost.
Complex design requires significant maintenance.
Applications:
Large-scale low-altitude installations, e.g., tidal power plants.
Research the use of hydraulic turbines in a local hydropower plant and summarize key design
considerations.
Conducting a field study on the use of hydraulic turbines in a local hydropower plant can offer
insights into practical applications, operational challenges, and the engineering design principles
involved. Below is a structured overview of the research components and the key design
considerations commonly observed in hydropower plants.
Overview of Hydraulic Turbines in Local Hydropower Plants
Hydraulic turbines are the central components of hydropower systems, converting the kinetic and
potential energy of water into mechanical energy, subsequently converted into electricity by
generators. Field studies of local hydropower plants, such as small-scale installations or major
facilities, can provide a wealth of data about their operational mechanics and regional
contributions to power generation.
o The available head and flow rate dictate the choice of turbine (e.g., Pelton,
Francis, Kaplan).
o High head: Pelton turbines are often chosen.
o Medium head: Francis turbines are preferred.
o Low head with high flow: Kaplan turbines are ideal.
Efficiency
o Cavitation can cause damage and efficiency loss. Proper design of the runner and
casing mitigates this.
Control Systems
If the field study is conducted at a regional plant, the following points should be investigated and
summarized:
. Plant Specifications
Flow Dynamics
Problem Solving:
To analyze velocity triangles in an axial-flow turbine and compute the power output, follow
these steps:
An axial-flow turbine converts the energy of a working fluid (like steam or air) into mechanical
work by directing the fluid through a series of rotating and stationary blades. The velocity
triangles are key to understanding how energy is extracted.
Δ h0=U ⋅ ( C w 1−C w 2 )
Where:
Power output:
˙
P=m ⋅ Δ h0
Efficiency:
The isentropic efficiency (ηt ) of the turbine relates the actual and ideal enthalpy changes:
Let’s compute the power output for a single-stage turbine with given parameters:
Δ h0=U ⋅ ( C w 1−C w 2 )
To fully visualize the triangles, I can create a plot. Let me generate the velocity triangles for
better understanding.
Velocity Triangle Visualization
The velocity triangles above illustrate the inlet and outlet conditions of the axial-flow turbine:
o Similar decomposition applies for the outlet absolute velocity (C 2) into C f 2 and
C w 2.
o The relative velocity (W 2 ) reflects the fluid velocity relative to the blade.
The tangential velocity difference (C w 1−C w2 ) drives the energy extraction and determines the
work done per unit mass.
Visualization Task:
To sketch and explain the flow patterns inside a centrifugal pump, consider the following labeled
components and flow zones:
Suction Zone: This is the low-pressure area where the fluid enters the pump through the
suction pipe and inlet.
Impeller: The rotating component with blades that impart kinetic energy to the fluid,
converting it to velocity energy.
Volute Casing: The spiral casing surrounding the impeller that helps to convert velocity
energy into pressure energy as the fluid exits.
Discharge Zone: The high-pressure region where the fluid exits the pump, typically into
the discharge pipe.
Labeled Diagram:
Here is the labeled flow diagram of a centrifugal pump:
Numerical Task:
Solve problems on pressure drop and flow rates in machine casings or ducts.
Here are solved numerical problems related to pressure drop and flow rates in machine casings
or ducts:
Problem: Water flows through a horizontal pipe of 10 m length and 0.05 m diameter at 2 m/s
velocity. Calculate the pressure drop if the friction factor f =0.02.
Where:
Problem: Air flows through a duct of 0.1 m diameter with a velocity of 5 m/s. Calculate the
volumetric flow rate.
Solution:
Volumetric flow rate Q is given by:
Q= A ⋅ v
2
d
Where A=π ⋅ .
4
( 0.1 )2
A=π ⋅ =0.00785 m 2 , Q=0.00785 ⋅5=0.03925 m 3 /s .
4
Problem: Water flows in a 0.05 m diameter pipe at 0.01 m 3 /s . Calculate the Reynolds number.
Assume ν=1× 10−6 m 2 /s .
Solution:
Reynolds number is given by:
ρvD vD
ℜ= or ℜ= .
μ ν
Velocity v :
2
Q d 2 0.01
v= , A=π ⋅ =0.00196 m , v= =5.1 m/s .
A 4 0.00196
Reynolds number:
5.1 ⋅0.05
ℜ= −6
=255 ,000 .
1× 10
Problem: For ℜ=105 and relative roughness ϵ / D=0.002, find the friction factor using the
Moody chart.
Solution: From the Moody chart:
For ℜ=105 and ϵ / D=0.002, friction factor f =0.018 .
Problem: Air flows at 10 m/s through a rectangular duct (0.5 m x 0.2 m) of 20 m length.
Calculate the pressure drop if f =0.03 and ρ=1.2 kg/m3.
Solution:
Hydraulic diameter Dh:
Pressure drop:
2 2
L ρv 20 1.2 ⋅10
ΔP=f ⋅ ⋅ =0.03 ⋅ ⋅ =125.8 Pa .
Dh 2 0.2857 2
Problem: Water flows through an orifice with a diameter of 0.05 m at a pressure drop of 5000
Pa. Calculate the flow rate. Assume C d=0.62.
Solution:
Flow rate Q :
√
Q=C d ⋅ A ⋅
2 ΔP
ρ
d2
, A=π ⋅ .
4
A=π ⋅
( 0.05 )2
4 √
=0.001963 m 2 , Q=0.62 ⋅0.001963 ⋅
2 ⋅5000
1000
=0.0109 m 3 /s .
Problem: Calculate the power loss due to friction for water flowing through a 50 m pipe of 0.1
m diameter at 3 m/s velocity. f =0.02, ρ=1000 kg/m3 .
Solution:
Power loss is given by:
2
L ρv
Ploss =ΔP ⋅Q , ΔP=f ⋅ ⋅ .
D 2
2
50 1000⋅ 3
ΔP=0.02 ⋅ ⋅ =45 , 000 Pa .
0.1 2
Power loss:
More 10 solved numerical examples on pressure drops and flow rates in machine casings or
ducts, with varying levels of complexity:
Answer: 3 m 3 /s
Problem 2: Pressure Drop in a Straight Pipe
Given: Pipe length L=10 m, diameter d=0.05 m , flow rate Q=0.01 m 3 /s, fluid density
3
ρ=1000 kg/m , and dynamic viscosity μ=0.001 Pa\cdotps.
Find: Pressure drop ΔP using Darcy-Weisbach equation.
ρvd 4 Q −0.25
ℜ= = 2 , f =0.3164 ⋅ R e
μ πd
2
L ρv
ΔP=f ⋅ ⋅
d 2
Solution:
Q 4Q
1. Velocity v= = =5.1 m/s, ℜ=255000.
A π d2
2
10 1000 ⋅5.1
3. ΔP=0.00825 ⋅ ⋅ =21 ,207.5 Pa .
0.05 2
Answer: 21.2 kPa .
Given: Inner radius r i=0.05 m , outer radius r o =0.1 m , velocity v=10 m/s .
Find: Flow rate Q .
Solution:
Solution:
2
50 1.2⋅3
ΔP=0.02 ⋅ ⋅ =27 Pa .
0.2 2
Answer: 27 Pa .
ΔP
h=
ρg
Solution:
200
h= =0.0204 m .
1000 ⋅9.81
Answer: 0.0204 m .
Given: Diameter d=0.1 m, velocity v=2 m/s, ρ=1.2 kg/m3, μ=1.8 × 10−5 Pa\cdotps.
Find: Reynolds number ℜ.
ρvd
ℜ=
μ
Solution:
1.2 ⋅2 ⋅0.1
ℜ= −5
=13 , 333 .
1.8 ×10
Answer: 13 , 333.
Given: Bend loss coefficient K b =0.5, velocity v=4 m/s, ρ=1.2 kg/m3.
Find: Pressure drop ΔP .
2
ρv
ΔP=K b ⋅
2
Solution:
2
1.2⋅ 4
ΔP=0.5 ⋅ =4.8 Pa .
2
Solution:
2
30 1.2 ⋅5
ΔP=0.02 ⋅ ⋅ =300 Pa .
0.3 2
Answer: 300 Pa .
Q Q
v= =
A π d 2 /4
Solution:
0.02
v= 2
=2.55 m/s .
π ⋅0.1 /4
Solution:
3
Q=0.15⋅7=1.05 m /s .
Answer: 1.05 m 3 /s .