Design of a Pelton Turbine for a Specific Site in Malawi

Abstract

Malawi's poor electrification rate can be improved through the maximum utilization of available renewable energy resources. Malawi has several rivers which can be utilized for electricity generation. However, most rivers such as Lichenya are not utilized to its full capacity. This paper presents the theoretical designing of a pelton turbine for Lichenya River in Malawi for maximum generation of electricity. Hydropower plants can either be impoundment, diversion or pumped storage type. The turbine used for any type of plant depends on the available head and river flow rate. The hydraulic turbines are classified into impulse turbines and reaction turbines. Pelton turbine is under impulse turbines and are usually associated with very high head and low discharges with low specific speeds. Additionally, Pelton turbine is simple to manufacture, are relatively cheap, and have good efficiency and reliability. The river flow data for Lichenya River were collected from the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development in Malawi. The design flow of 3.2 m 3 /s for the river was determined form the data. The river is within the catchment area of 62.3 km 2 and gross head of 304 m. The calculation of dimensions were carried out with the aid of EES software and spreadsheet. The designed turbine can generate 8067 kW of power with a turbine hydraulic efficiency of 95.4%. The detailed dimensions of the bucket, runner, penstock, and nozzle are presented. Therefore, this study can be the best guideline for further energy developments on Lichenya River in Malawi.