Pelton Turbine Test Rig

The HANSA designed and developed experimental unit consists of the Pelton wheel, a needle nozzle used as a distributor, a band brake for loading the turbine, and a housing with a transparent front panel. The transparent cover enables the observation of the water flow, the Pelton wheel, and the nozzle during operation. The nozzle cross-section and thus the flow rate is modified by adjusting the nozzle needle.

The turbine torque is determined by force measurement on a band brake and is read on spring balances. For measuring the rotational speed, a non-contact speed sensor.

The water jet is accelerated in a nozzle and hits the Pelton wheel tangentially. In the blades on the circumference of the Pelton wheel, the water jet is deflected by approximately 180?. The impulse of the water jet is transmitted to the Pelton wheel.

This accessory comprises a miniature Pelton wheel with spear-valve arrangement mounted on a support frame, which fits onto the Hydraulics Benchtop channel. Mechanical output from the turbine is absorbed using a simple friction dynamometer.

Basic principles of the Pelton turbine may be demonstrated and, with appropriate measurements, power produced and efficiency may be determined.