Performance of Pelton Turbine for Hydroelectric Generation in Varying Design Parameters
Water power is a renewable energy source which has great potential in replacing fossil energy for generating electricity. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of vertical distance of water source (water head) and nozzle diameter on the electrical power generated by Pelton turbine. It used Pelton turbine type with 22 buckets (vanes) which employed a PMG 200 watts generator with 1 : 2 pulley transmission system. Four different values of nozzle diameter and three different values of water head were chosen as the design parameters of the turbine. The electrical power was measured in three replications for each combination of the design parameters. The research showed that water head and nozzle diameter significantly affect the power generated by the Pelton turbine. The higher the water head from the surface, the more power generated. It was found that the electric power linearly increases with the increasing of nozzle diameter. However, it reaches the peak in 9 mm nozzle diameter and is getting lower in a larger diameter. The highest electric power of 16.89 watt is observed by adjusting the water head on 4.6 m with 9 mm nozzle diameter. Those design parameters are able can produce a rotation speed at 320 rpm in the generator. By identifying the appropriate parameters, it is possible to have more power generated by the water turbine used for hydroelectric power generation plant.
Calibrating the Performance of Pelton Turbine by Using Helical Penstock
This paper presents a study on the comparative analysis of the penstock used in the micro-hydropower plants with the aim of inventing a new design of penstock with the efficiency benefits in the future. The Pelton wheel is designed for 0.000143 m3/s flow rate with a diameter of penstock 0.75 in., and detailed study is done on the benefits of the new penstock which is helical in shape, so the helical penstock can also be considered as a replacement of the old conventional penstock which is straight and its design strategies are discussed. It was found that the helical penstock was approximately 22–23% more efficient in the voltage generation with the additional benefits such as saving in the material cost, less land acquisition, and less wear and tear of the penstock line due to cavitation. This is thus more economical, more viable as it produces more with the same input of water, and thus helps in generating more power.
A reference Pelton turbine design
The designs of hydraulic turbines are usually close kept corporation secrets. Therefore, the possibility of innovation and co-operation between different academic institutions regarding a specific turbine geometry is difficult. A Ph.D.-project at the Waterpower Laboratory, NTNU, aim to design several model Pelton turbines where all measurements, simulations, the design strategy, design software in addition to the physical model will be available to the public. In the following paper a short description of the methods and the test rig that are to be utilized in the project are described. The design will be based on empirical data and NURBS will be used as the descriptive method for the turbine geometry. In addition CFX and SPH simulations will be included in the design process. Each turbine designed and produced in connection to this project will be based on the experience and knowledge gained from the previous designs. The first design will be based on the philosophy to keep a near constant relative velocity through the bucket.