Hydroelectric turbine.. penstock question.

[imatreyu]

Homework Statement

I'm seeking to understand how a penstock's width and thickness is related to the the ending power produced by the turbine. . . . In short, how can I determine the most ideal penstock? What is the perfect penstock in regards to a system with a very high head (vertical distance)?
If water is being collected at a high altitude and goes through a penstock to sea-level, what kind of penstock would be most ideal in order to produce the most benefit?

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I have done a lot of research, but I can't find a concise explanation.

I'm sorry this is so long and confusing! Thank you in advance.

 

[Valkarie]

The ideal penstock for a system with a high head (vertical distance) will depend on the type of turbine being used and the flow rate of the water. Generally speaking, the wider and thicker the penstock, the more efficient the turbine will be, as it will reduce friction losses and allow for greater water pressure. Additionally, increasing the size of the penstock can also help to reduce the amount of turbulence caused by the flow of the water. However, there is also a tradeoff between efficiency and cost. Wider and thicker penstocks will require more materials, resulting in increased construction costs. Furthermore, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of the penstock. A larger penstock can result in changes in local water flow patterns and increase the risk of flooding. It is therefore important to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the penstock design before proceeding with the project. In summary, the most ideal penstock for a system with a high head will depend on the type of turbine being used, the flow rate of the water, and the desired outcome in terms of cost and environmental impacts.

 

[Mene]

I can provide some insights into the relationship between penstock design and the power output of a hydroelectric turbine. The width and thickness of a penstock can impact the efficiency of the turbine, but it is not the only factor. Other factors such as the head (vertical distance), flow rate, and turbine design also play a significant role in determining the overall performance.

In general, a wider and thicker penstock can handle a higher flow rate and maintain a more constant pressure, which can result in a higher power output. However, the design of the turbine itself also plays a critical role in determining the ideal penstock size. For example, a turbine with a larger diameter may require a wider penstock to maintain a consistent flow and pressure, while a smaller turbine may be more efficient with a narrower penstock.

In regards to a system with a very high head, a penstock with a larger diameter may be more beneficial as it can handle a higher flow rate and maintain a more constant pressure. However, other factors such as the terrain and cost of construction also need to be considered when determining the most ideal penstock design.

In the case of water being collected at a high altitude and going through a penstock to sea-level, the type of penstock that would be most ideal depends on the specific system and its requirements. A steel penstock may be more suitable for a high-pressure system, while a concrete penstock may be more cost-effective for a lower pressure system. It is important to consider all factors and conduct a thorough analysis to determine the most suitable penstock for a specific system.

In conclusion, the most ideal penstock design for a hydroelectric turbine is dependent on various factors such as the head, flow rate, turbine design, and system requirements. A thorough analysis and consideration of all these factors is necessary to determine the most efficient and cost-effective penstock design for a specific system. I hope this helps in your understanding of the relationship between penstock design and power output.