Design of Francis turbine for micro hydropower applications

Abstract

This study presents a Francis turbine designed for micro hydro application, using bovet approach of design and other general techniques, with some variations which make the manufacturing procedure relatively simpler. It also depicts the status of micro hydro in Nepal. Simplifications has been administered on runner, vane cascade and spiral casing. The study has been carried out under single flow condition, which is generally the case in micro hydropower, which divert a small portion of water from the main source, generally rivers or springs. The design procedure used for the design of each hydraulic components have been described in brief. The numerical study performed on the turbine have also been presented. Effects of simplifications administered on each component has been analysed. The small variation in efficiency due to simplifications administered has been justified for use in micro hydropower projects in view of the drop in efficiency caused due inaccuracies during manufacturing of turbine.