53:071 Hydraulics and Hydrology Project

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53071 Hydraulics and HydrologyProject
1Pelton Turbine

• Allen Bradley, Loren Wehmeyer, Li-Chuan Chen, and
  Marian Muste

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Problem Statement

• A childrens museum in Colorado has purchased a
  small Pelton turbine for its new display on
  renewable energy.

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Problem Statement

• The museum wishes to operate the turbine (with
  available flows) and sell the power on the open
  market.
• You have been hired as a consultant to the museum.

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Project Objective

• Your job is to determine energy (kWh) that can be
  generated from the laboratory-scale Pelton
  turbine, and the revenue it can generate (/year)
  for the museum.

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Site Information

• The effective head for operations at the site is
  about 120 ft
• Variations in the forebay elevation are assumed
  to be minor

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Operational Information

• The museum will operate the turbine 7 days a week
  (9 am to 4 pm).
• The museum has secured water rights to divert
  flows from the South Platte River. The allotted
  diversion depends on the average monthly flow
  rate in the river.

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Laboratory Component

• Determine the energy conversion efficiency of the
  laboratory-scale Pelton turbine for the proposed
  operating conditions (Havailable, Q)

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Engineering Analysis Components

• Compute the energy produced (kWh/yr) if operated
  as planned.
• Estimate the revenue that can be generated if the
  energy is sold on the open market (/year).
• Prepare a one-page flyer on the exhibit (for
  distribution to museum visitors).

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Principle
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Principle
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Laboratory Objective

• To determine energy conversion efficiency (h) for
  the laboratory-scale Pelton turbine for three
  operational discharges (Q)

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Laboratory Apparatus
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Laboratory Procedures

• TA sets the discharge and initial measuring speed
  with the brake off
• Tighten the friction hand-wheel and record the
  torque and rotational speed
• Repeat Step 2 with ?N 50-100 rpm until the
  rotational speed reaches about 500 rpm
• Measure the head on the weir (H1) and record the
  reference point (H0)
• TA adjusts to a lower discharge and initial
  rotational speed
• Repeat Steps 1 to 5

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Data Sheet
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Laboratory Analysis

• Determine the discharge using Q2.49(H1-H0)2.48.
• Determine the efficiency of the turbine.
• Plot the rotational speed vs. the efficiency of
  the turbine.
• Show results for the three different discharges.

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Sample Result
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Project Report

• Provide the client (the museum director) with a
  concise report that answers the project objectives