What Is the Pressure After a Hydro Turbine?

In summary, the group is discussing the pressure after the turbine in a hydro dam and whether it is atmospheric or affected by the turbine. It is determined that the pressure is atmospheric unless there is a submerged tailrace, and that discharging below the surface of the river would maximize the pressure drop across the turbine. However, if the discharge is in the river or above the river, the pressure difference would be affected by the difference in water levels.
  • #1
Pim_Verwoerd
2
1
Homework Statement
Pressure loss due to turbine
Relevant Equations
P = Q * dP. Bernoulli
For an engineering project we have to make an energy storage system. We thought of something like a hydro dam. We were having a discussion about the pressure after the turbine in the hydro dam. The water immediately flows into the atmosphere ( so it falls down into a lake ). Can we then safely assume that the pressure over there is the atmospheric pressure? Or is there a different pressure field because of the turbine?
 
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  • #2
I think it depends on the actual configuration. Does it have a submerged tailrace? Then not Patm.

440px-Hydroelectric_dam.svg.png
 
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  • #3
gmax137 said:
I think it depends on the actual configuration. Does it have a submerged tailrace? Then not Patm.
That's interesting. Why would you discharge below the surface of the river? It seems like you'd want to maximize the pressure drop across the turnbine...
 
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  • #4
gmax137 said:
I think it depends on the actual configuration. Does it have a submerged tailrace? Then not Patm.

View attachment 289165
No it doesn't have a submerged tailrace. The water that comes out of the turbine comes out into 'clean' air.
 
  • #5
Pim_Verwoerd said:
No it doesn't have a submerged tailrace. The water that comes out of the turbine comes out into 'clean' air.
Then the pressure (in the clean air) is atmospheric. It can't be anything else.
 
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  • #6
berkeman said:
That's interesting. Why would you discharge below the surface of the river? It seems like you'd want to maximize the pressure drop across the turnbine...
If the discharge is in the river then the pressure difference would be the difference between the reservoir water level and the river water level.

The head increase from a lower discharge is offset by the river water above the discharge.

If the discharge is above the river, the pressure difference is the difference between the reservoir water level and the discharge level.
 
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FAQ: What Is the Pressure After a Hydro Turbine?

1. What is pressure after a water turbine?

Pressure after a water turbine refers to the amount of force exerted by the water as it exits the turbine and enters the downstream system. It is typically measured in units of pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

2. How is pressure after a water turbine calculated?

The pressure after a water turbine can be calculated using the Bernoulli's equation, which takes into account the velocity and elevation of the water as well as the density and acceleration due to gravity. Other factors such as friction and losses may also be considered in the calculation.

3. Why is pressure after a water turbine important?

Pressure after a water turbine is important because it affects the performance and efficiency of the downstream system, such as pumps or other turbines. It also plays a role in determining the amount of power that can be generated by the turbine.

4. What factors can affect pressure after a water turbine?

The pressure after a water turbine can be affected by several factors, including the flow rate of the water, the size and design of the turbine, the elevation and head of the water, and any obstructions or restrictions in the downstream system.

5. How can pressure after a water turbine be controlled?

Pressure after a water turbine can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the water, changing the design or size of the turbine, or using control mechanisms such as valves or gates to regulate the water flow. Proper maintenance and monitoring of the system can also help ensure consistent pressure levels.

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