Performance of Pelton Turbine for Hydroelectric Generation in Varying Design Parameters

Abstract

Water power is a renewable energy source which has great potential in replacing fossil energy for generating electricity. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of vertical distance of water source (water head) and nozzle diameter on the electrical power generated by Pelton turbine. It used Pelton turbine type with 22 buckets (vanes) which employed a PMG 200 watts generator with 1 : 2 pulley transmission system. Four different values of nozzle diameter and three different values of water head were chosen as the design parameters of the turbine. The electrical power was measured in three replications for each combination of the design parameters. The research showed that water head and nozzle diameter significantly affect the power generated by the Pelton turbine. The higher the water head from the surface, the more power generated. It was found that the electric power linearly increases with the increasing of nozzle diameter. However, it reaches the peak in 9 mm nozzle diameter and is getting lower in a larger diameter. The highest electric power of 16.89 watt is observed by adjusting the water head on 4.6 m with 9 mm nozzle diameter. Those design parameters are able can produce a rotation speed at 320 rpm in the generator. By identifying the appropriate parameters, it is possible to have more power generated by the water turbine used for hydroelectric power generation plant.