Hydro-Electric Series

The objective of this course is to present and discuss the structural and functional features of different types of hydro turbines. Certain operational considerations are also presented such as cavitation, tailrace elevation, surge, run away speed, etc.

After completion of this course, you should have an understanding of the following concepts:

• Impulse and reaction type turbines
• The Pelton wheel, vertical and horizontal
• Single and multiple nozzle arrangements
• Needle valve control and deflectors
• Turbine shut-off valves
• Propeller type turbines, vertical and horizontal
• Fixed and variable pitch blades (Kaplan)
• Function of the draft tube
• Wicket gates, shear pins, lubrication
• Turbine guide bearing
• Francis type turbine, vertical and horizontal
• Hydraulic thrust, head cover leakage
• Tube type turbines
• Bulb type turbines
• Deriaz type turbines
• Comparative turbine efficiencies
• Turbine generator overspeed due to load rejection
• Pressure surges due to load variation (and rejection)
• The function of surge vessels
• Cavitation – causes and effects
• The influence of tailrace elevation