Hydraulic machines (Francis turbine)

In summary, the teacher explains that in a Francis turbine, pressure energy of the water is used to do work as it moves from inlet to outlet tip of the blade, causing a decrease in pressure and an increase in relative velocity. However, this explanation conflicts with the Bernoulli equation, which suggests that there should be no addition or subtraction of energy from the fluid. The conversion from pressure to velocity mainly occurs in the stator, while the rotor transfers work to the wheel. For further study, "Strömungsmaschinen" by Carl Pfleiderer and "Strömungsmaschinen: Grundlagen und Anwendungen" by Herbert Sigloch are recommended.
  • #1
Mohankpvk
102
3
When my teacher was explaining about impulse-reaction inward
Radial flow (Francis) turbine, he said that as the water moves from inlet to outlet tip of the blade, pressure energy of the water is used to do work and pressure reduces(reaction effect).Then he added that due to this decrease in pressure,relative velocity between blade and water increases as water moves towards outlet.If this(pressure decreases velocity increases) comes from the Bernoulis equation then there should not be any addition or subtraction of energy from the fluid.But a turbine extracts energy from the fuid.So is this explanation wrong?
Please suggest a good book for studying the basics of hydraulic machines.
 
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  • #2
The conversion from pressure to velocity (when Bernoulli can be applied) mainly takes place before the fluid is entering the rotating wheel, in a stator. There a fixed geometry accelerates the fluid and decreases the pressure. The high-speed fluid then transfers energy (work) to the wheel applying a force on it and at the same time decelerates. So

stator: pressure ##\rightarrow## velocity (Bernoulli)
rotor: the fluid transfers work to the wheel (not Bernoulli)

Unfortunately I'm not familar with English books about hydraulic machines
 
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  • #4
stockzahn said:
The conversion from pressure to velocity (when Bernoulli can be applied) mainly takes place before the fluid is entering the rotating wheel, in a stator. There a fixed geometry accelerates the fluid and decreases the pressure. The high-speed fluid then transfers energy (work) to the wheel applying a force on it and at the same time decelerates. So

stator: pressure ##\rightarrow## velocity (Bernoulli)
rotor: the fluid transfers work to the wheel (not Bernoulli)

Unfortunately I'm not familar with English books about hydraulic machines

Please suggest a book.Langauge doesn't matter, Ill try to find a translated version of it.
 
  • #5
"Strömungsmaschinen" (Turbo machinery) from Carl Pfleiderer - very good
"Strömungsmaschinen: Grundlagen und Anwendungen" (turbo machinery: Basics and applications) from Herbert Sigloch - not that substabial, but for the overview
 
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FAQ: Hydraulic machines (Francis turbine)

1. What is a Francis turbine?

A Francis turbine is a type of hydraulic machine used to convert the energy of moving water into mechanical energy. It is a reaction turbine, meaning that it uses both pressure and velocity of the water to generate power.

2. How does a Francis turbine work?

A Francis turbine works by directing water through a series of curved blades attached to a central rotor. The water enters the turbine at high pressure and is then guided by the blades, causing the rotor to spin. The spinning rotor is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

3. What are the main components of a Francis turbine?

The main components of a Francis turbine include the spiral casing, which directs the water into the turbine; the runner, which consists of the curved blades attached to the central rotor; the draft tube, which helps to increase the efficiency of the turbine; and the shaft and bearings, which support the rotating parts and allow for smooth movement.

4. What are the advantages of a Francis turbine?

One of the main advantages of a Francis turbine is its high efficiency, which can reach up to 90%. It is also a versatile turbine, able to operate in a wide range of water flow and pressure conditions. Additionally, it has a simple and robust design, making it easy to maintain and repair.

5. What are the common applications of a Francis turbine?

Francis turbines are commonly used in hydroelectric power plants to generate electricity from the energy of moving water. They are also used in irrigation systems, water treatment plants, and other industrial processes that require the use of hydraulic power. In some cases, they can also be used in reverse to pump water from lower to higher elevations.

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