Parametric Optimization & Design of Pelton Turbine Wheel for Hydraulic Efficiency Improvement

Abstract

Impulse turbine is one of the oldest methods of water power extraction. Pelton turbine is one amongst them. There is notable increase in utilization of renewable energy sources and hydropower in developed countries. The potential energy of water in hilly areas can fulfill the demands of the rural areas and can also contribute to grids. The power output of a turbine can be increased from the same input by improvising its efficiency. This paper aims to design the Pelton turbine wheel to improve its hydraulic efficiency. Parametric optimization of a Pelton turbine wheel is achieved by two methods: direct search method and efficiency optimization method. The effect of bucket exit angle, specific speed, speed ratio and nozzle opening on hydraulic efficiency is described here. The hydraulic efficiency of the turbine will be higher at the complete nozzle opening and at a higher specific speed. The maximum hydraulic efficiency is achieved for the specific speed 20.77. The theoretical hydraulic efficiency 93.9 percentage is achieved for 15 degrees of exit angle at 0.49-speed ratio.