performance of pelton wheel
School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations
THE DESIGN OF A SMALL SCALE PELTON TURBINE RIG FOR USE IN A LABORATORY
Abstract
Contents
Introduction
Aims and objectives
The aim of this project is to design a simple Pelton wheel rig for experimental use in a university laboratory. The final design should be able to be built with the equipment and resources at the university and be able to be operated with the most basic knowledge of water turbines. This report also goes into the theory of turbines and power generation, particularly in larger scale water turbines that are used across the globe. Conducting experiments using this rig should provide students with basic knowledge about the Pelton wheel and the theory behind it, especially how different factors (i.e. flow rates, number of runners, amount of head etc.) affects the efficiency and output of the turbine.
History and Development
Water power has been contributing to energy supplies for many centuries, starting off by powering the various types of mills and mine equipment such as air compressors and water pumps. It has become a major source of electrical energy in the last century, delivering about a sixth of the total annual world electric supply.
The Pelton wheel is named after its American inventor Lester Allen Pelton (1829-1908). During the gold rush whilst working at a gold mine, he observed the water wheels that provided mechanical power to the different machines at the mine, and noticed the water jets that struck the wheel eventually morphed the once flat-faced vanes into hemispherical cups. He also noticed that one wheel was turning faster than the other, and after observing he found that the wheel had come loose and displaced slightly on its axle so the jet was striking the inside edge of the cups and leaving the other end of the cup travelling in the opposite direction, which is how he came up with the ‘splitter’ between the cups.
He was granted his first
THE DESIGN OF A SMALL SCALE PELTON TURBINE RIG FOR USE IN A LABORATORY
Abstract
Contents
Introduction
Aims and objectives
The aim of this project is to design a simple Pelton wheel rig for experimental use in a university laboratory. The final design should be able to be built with the equipment and resources at the university and be able to be operated with the most basic knowledge of water turbines. This report also goes into the theory of turbines and power generation, particularly in larger scale water turbines that are used across the globe. Conducting experiments using this rig should provide students with basic knowledge about the Pelton wheel and the theory behind it, especially how different factors (i.e. flow rates, number of runners, amount of head etc.) affects the efficiency and output of the turbine.
History and Development
Water power has been contributing to energy supplies for many centuries, starting off by powering the various types of mills and mine equipment such as air compressors and water pumps. It has become a major source of electrical energy in the last century, delivering about a sixth of the total annual world electric supply.
The Pelton wheel is named after its American inventor Lester Allen Pelton (1829-1908). During the gold rush whilst working at a gold mine, he observed the water wheels that provided mechanical power to the different machines at the mine, and noticed the water jets that struck the wheel eventually morphed the once flat-faced vanes into hemispherical cups. He also noticed that one wheel was turning faster than the other, and after observing he found that the wheel had come loose and displaced slightly on its axle so the jet was striking the inside edge of the cups and leaving the other end of the cup travelling in the opposite direction, which is how he came up with the ‘splitter’ between the cups.
He was granted his first
Bibliography: 1. Boyle, G. Renewable energy - Power for a sustainable future. s.l. : Oxford University Press, 2012.