Author(s): M. K. Padhy; R. P. Saini
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Pelton turbine; Sand concentration; Sand size; Bucket erosion
Abstract: The efficiency of the turbine decreases with the increase in the erosive wear. This problem is a major concern in the case of small hydro power plants, as most of these plants are run-of-river schemes and situated in steep hilly terrains. Erosive wear of hydro turbine components depends on different parameters such as size, composition and concentration of silt particles, velocity of flow and impingement angle, and properties of the base material. Under the present study an experimental investigation was carried out on a small scale Pelton turbine in actual flow conditions. Sand was collected from the head work of one of the most silt affected power houses. Tests were conducted for a range of sand concentration. It has been observed that at lower concentration the Pelton turbine bucket erosion is higher for smaller size particles than the bigger size particles. It can be concluded that the smaller size particles are vulnerable to turbine parts even at lower concentration.
Year: 2009