CHAPTER 2

Reaction Hydraulic Turbines

2.1 Introduction
The hydraulic turbines are classified into two types, impulse and reaction.
As explained earlier in impulse turbines, there is no pressure drop across the moving
blades, whereas in reaction turbines the pressure drop is divided in the guide vanes and
moving blades.
The reaction turbines are low head high flow rate machines. For reaction turbines,
the rotor is surrounded by a casing (or volute), which is completely filled with the working
fluid. Turbines are manufactured in a variety of configurations, radical flow, axial flow
and mixed flow.
Typical radial and mixed flow hydraulic turbine is Francis turbine, named after
James B. Francis, an American engineer, in this turbine the energy available in water is
transferred to the shaft by means of a rotating runner and resulting torque transferred by
rotating shaft can drive the electric generator.
In a reaction turbine, the water enters the wheel under pressure and flows over the
vanes. As the water, flowing over the vanes, is under pressure, therefore wheel of the
turbine runs full and may be submerged below the tail race or may discharge into the
atmosphere. The pressure head of water, while flowing over the vanes, is converted into
velocity head and is finally reduced to the atmospheric pressure, before leaving the wheel.
2.2 Main Components of a Reaction Turbine
A reaction turbine has the following main components:
1. Spiral casing
2. Guide mechanism
3. Turbine runner
4. Draft tube
2.2.1 Spiral Casing
The water from pipe line is distributed around the guide ring in a casing. This casing
is designed in such a way that its cross – sectional area goes on reducing uniformly around
the circumference. The cross – sectional area is maximum at the entrance and minimum at
40
the tip as shown in figure (2.1). As a result of this, the casing will be of spiral shape. That
is why; it is called a spiral casing or scroll casing.

Fig.(2.1): Casing of a reaction turbine

The spiral casings are provided with inspection holes and pressure gauges. The
material of a casing depends upon the head of water, under which the turbine is working as
discussed below:
Concrete up to 30 m
Welded rolled steel plate up to 100 m
Cast steel more than 100 m
2.2.2 Guide Mechanism
The guide vanes are fixed between two rings in the form of a wheel. This wheel is
fixed in the spiral casing. The guide vanes are properly designed in order to:
1. Allow the water to enter the runner without shock (This is done by keeping the relative
velocity, at inlet of the runner, tangential to the vane angle).
2. Allow the water to flow over them, without forming eddies
3. Allow the required quantity of water to enter the turbine. (This done by adjusting the
opening of the vanes).

41
 All the guide vanes can rotate about their respective pivots, which are connected to
the regulating ring by some mechanical means. The regulating ring is connected to the
regulating shaft by means of two regulating rods. The guide vanes may be closed or
opened by rotating the regulating shaft, thus allowing the required quantity of water to
flow according to the need. The regulating shaft is operated by means of a governor,
whose function is to govern the turbine (to keep the speed constant at varying loads). The
guide vanes are generally made of cast steel.
2.2.3 Turbine Runner
The runner of a reaction turbine consists of runner blades fixed either to a shaft or
rings, depending upon the type of turbine. The blades are properly designed, in order to
allow the water to enter and leave the runner without shock.
The runner is keyed to a shaft, which may be vertical or horizontal. If the shaft is
vertical, it is called a vertical turbine. Similarly, if the shaft is horizontal, it is called a
horizontal turbine.

Fig.(2.2): Turbine runner

The surface of the runner is made very smooth. The runner may be cast in one piece
or may be made of separate steel plates and welded together. For low heads, the runner

42
may be made of cast iron. But for high heads, the runner is made of steel or alloys. When
the water is chemically impure, the runner is made of special alloy.
2.2.4 Draft Tube
The function of the draft tube is to bring the water pressure back to the pressure of
the tailrace, and during this process to remove the kinetic energy still existing at the runner
outlet. In some rotors the work transfer is accomplished not only while the water is
moving radially but also in a part axial direction. This is done by a judicious choice of
rotor design.
The water, after passing through the runner, flows down through a tube called draft
tube. It is, generally, downed approximately 1 m below the tail race level. A draft tube has
the following functions:
1. It increases the head of water by an amount equal to height of the runner outlet above
the tail race.
2. It increases efficiency of the turbine
2.3 Difference between an Impulse Turbine and a Reaction Turbine
Following are the few points of difference between a reaction turbine and an impulse
turbine:
S. No Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine
1 The entire available energy of the water The available energy of the water is not
is first converted into kinetic energy. converted from one form to another.
2 The water flows through the nozzles The water is guided by the guide blades
and impinges on the buckets, which are to flow over the moving vanes
fixed to the outer periphery of the
wheel
3 The water impinges on the buckets, The water glides over the moving vanes
with kinetic energy with pressure energy
4 The pressure of the flowing water The pressure of the flowing water is
remains unchanged and is equal to the reduced after gliding over the vanes
atmospheric pressure
5 It is not essential that the wheel should It is essential that the wheel should

43
 run full. Moreover, there should be free always run full, and kept full of water
access of air between the vanes and the
wheel
6 The water may be admitted over a part
of the circumference or over the whole
circumference of the wheel
7 It is possible to regulate the flow
without loss
8 The work is done by the change in the
kinetic energy of the jet
The water must be admitted over the
whole circumference of the wheel
It is not possible to regulate the flow
without loss
The work is done partly by the change
in the velocity head, but almost entirely
by the change in pressure head

2.4 Classification of Reaction Turbines

The reaction turbines may be classified into the following three types, depending
upon the direction of flow of water through the wheel:
(1) Radial flow turbines
In such turbines, the flow of water is radial (along the radius of the wheel). The
radial flow turbines may be further sub–division into the following two classes:
(i) Inward flow turbines: In such turbines, the water enters the wheel at the outer
periphery, and then flows inward (toward the centre of the wheel).

Fig.(2.3): Inward flow reaction turbine

44
(ii) Outward flow turbines: In such turbines, the water enters at the center of the wheel,
and then flows outwards (toward the outer periphery of the wheel).

Fig.(2.4): Outward flow reaction turbine

(2) Axial flow turbines

In such turbines, the water flows parallel to the axis of the wheel. Such turbines are
also called parallel flow turbines.
3. Mixed flow turbines
These are the latest types of turbines, in which the flow is partly radial and partly
axial
2.5 Radial flow turbines (Francis Turbine)
2.5.1 Description of Francis Turbine
Figure (2.4) shows a schematic diagram for a Francis turbine. The main parts of a
Francis turbine are:
1. Penstock: It is a large size conduit which conveys water from the upstream of the
dam/reservoir to the turbine runner.
2. Spiral/Scroll Casing: It constitutes a closed passage whose cross–sectional area
gradually decreases along the flow direction; area is maximum at inlet and nearly zero
at exit.

45
3. Guide Vanes: These vanes direct the water onto the runner at an angle appropriate to
the design. The motion to them is given by means of a hand wheel or automatically
by a governor.
4. Governing and runner blades: The driving force on the runner is both due to impulse
reaction effects. The number of runner blades usually varies between 16 to 24.
5. Draft Tube: It is a gradually expanding tube which discharges water, passing through
the runner, to the tail race.

Fig.(2.5): Main components of Francis tubine

The water passes through row of fixed guide vanes followed by adjustable guide
vanes. The flow can be varied when the turbine is working at partial loads by changing the
cross- sectional area between the guide vanes. The water then passes through the runner
with radial vanes. The water enters the runner at large radius and leaves the runner blades
at a smaller radius. The interaction between the fluid and runner blades results in torque

46
applied to the runner. The runner is connected to the driving shaft to drive an electric
generator. The turbine shown in the Figure (2.5) is vertical type.
The water after doing the work leaves through the draft tube. It is essentially a
diffuser whose area increases in the direction of the fluid flow. As area increases velocity
decreases and pressure rises.
It produces a negative pressure at turbine exit and thus increases the head over the
turbine which means more power.
There is energy loss at various components from the reservoir to the tail race. There
is energy loss in the penstock conveying water to the turbine losses in fixed guide vanes,
and also adjustable guide vanes, and runner vanes. There is also head loss in the draft tube
and residual kinetic energy loss at exit from the draft tube.
2.5.2 Francis turbine Analysis
The total head of the radial flow turbine ranges from about 500 down to 30 m, and
the dimensionless specific speed from 0.3 to 2.5 rad. The water first enters a volute or
spiral casing. It then passes through a row of fixed guide vanes followed by adjustable
guide vanes, the cross-sectional area between the adjustable vanes being varied for flow
control at part load. The water then passes immediately into the rotor where it moves
radially through the rotor vanes and exits from the rotor blades at a smaller diameter, after
which it turns through 90° into the draft tube.
In considering the flow through the runner of a radial flow turbine and the
theoretical analysis with respect to the velocity triangles, the same assumptions will be
made as for the centrifugal pump. Figure (2.6) shows the total energy line through the
complete system from supply reservoir to tailrace. The free surface of the reservoir is often
called the 'head water'. The fluid experiences a frictional head drop h fp in the pipeline up to
the inlet flange of the turbine at point 0. At this point the fluid enters the volute, the fixed
inlet guide vanes and also the adjustable guide vanes, where a further frictional head loss
hg is experienced. Upon leaving the inlet guide vanes, the fluid moves into the runner

where a frictional head loss hr takes place while energy is supplied to the runner and shaft.
The total energy line decreases to the point 3 where the fluid exits from the draft tube with
a frictional head loss hd occurring in the draft tube, and a residual kinetic energy loss
47
V32 2 g at exit from the draft tube. In considering the overall turbine efficiency, the inlet

volute and draft tube are considered to be parts of the turbine.

Fig. (2.6): Energy distribution through a hydraulic reaction turbine

48
2.5.3 Velocity Triangles for the runner
The inlet and outlet velocity triangles for the runner are shown in figure (2.7). This
shows the water emerging from the inlet guide vanes at radius r1 , with absolute velocity
C1 at an angle  1 to the direction of rotation. The tangential velocity at inlet is U 1 , and by
subtracting U 1 from C1 , the relative velocity vector W1 is obtained at an angle 1 to the
direction of rotation. 1 , is also the inlet blade angle for shock-free entry. At the outlet
radius r2 , the water leaves the blade at angle  2 to the tangential velocity vector, the
resultant of W2 and U 2 being the absolute outlet velocity C2 . The radial flow velocities Cr1
and Cr 2 are directed towards the axis of rotation.

Fig. (2.7): Velocity triangles at inlet and outlet

The blade speed can be calculated from the relations:

N
U 1   D1
60
N
U 2   D2
60

49
(1) Volume flow rate
The volume flow rate through inward Francis turbine is given by the relations:
Q  C r1 .A1

Q  C r1.π D1.b1  C r1.2π r1.b1

Or Q  C r 2 .A2

Q  C r 2 . D.b2  C r 2 .2 r2 .b2

where b is the height of the runner.

(2) Work Done of Francies Turbine
H a  Available (actual) head or Gross head
The difference of water levels between head race and tail race
H 0  Overall (Theoretical) head is given by Euler equation:
U 1Cu1  U 2 Cu 2
H0  (2.1)
g

and H 0 is a maximum when Cu 2 is zero, that is when the absolute and radial flow
velocities are equal at the outlet.
H a  H 0  H losses

Ha  H0  hf

Work  g.H 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

(3) Power from Francis Turbine

(1) Power supplied by the turbine (Water power)   g Q H a
(2) Power developed by the runner   g Q H 0
(3) Shaft Output Power  P
(4) Francis Turbine Specific Speed
The specific speed of a turbine is defined as the speed of a turbine which identical in
shape, geometrical dimensions, blade angles, gate opening, which would develop unit
power when working under a unit head.
The specific speed of Francis turbine is given by the relation
N P
Ns  (2.2)
 gH a 5 / 4

50
2.5.4 Efficiency of Francis Turbine
(1) Hydraulic Efficiency
Power developed by the runner
 Hy 
Power supplied to the turbine (Water power)

ρ g Q H0
 Hy 
ρ g QHa

H0
 Hy  (2.3)
Ha

(2) Mechanical Efficiency

Shaft Power
m 
Power developed by the runner
P
m 
ρ g Q H0

P  m ρ g Q H 0 (2.4)
(3) Overall Efficiency
Shaft Power
0 
Power supplied to the turbine (Water Power)
P
0 
ρg QHa

P  0 ρ g Q H a (2.5)
(4) Relation between Efficiencies
P
0 
ρg QHa

P H
0   0
ρ g Q H a H0

P H
0   0
ρ g Q H0 Ha

 0   m  Hy (2.6)

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Example (2.1)
Consider an inward flow reaction turbine in which radial velocity of flow at inlet is
3.8 m s . The 1 m diameter wheel rotates at 240 rpm and inlet guide vane angle is 160 with

wheel tangent. Determine

(a) Velocity of whirl at inlet,
(b) Absolute velocity of water at inlet,
(c) Vane angle at inlet, and
(d) Relative velocity of water at entrance.
Solution
C r1  3.8 m s N  240 rpm D1  1 m

(a) Velocity of whirl at inlet

N 240
U 1  D1   1  12.57 m s
60 60
(b) Absolute velocity of water at inlet
C r1
sin 1 
C1

C r1 3.8
C1    13.78 m s
sin 1 sin16

C r1 3.8
Cu1    13.25 m s
tan 1 tan 16

(c) Vane angle at inlet

C r1 3.8 3.8
tan 1    1  79.80
Cu1  U1 13.25  12.57 0.68

(d) Relative velocity of water at entrance.

C r1 3.8
W1    3.86 m s
sin 1 sin79.8

52
Example (2.2)
An electricity generating installation uses a Francis turbine with a rotational speed of
1260 rpm . The net head across the turbine is 124 m and the volume flow rate is 0.5 m 3 s .

The radius of the runner is 0.6 m , the height of the runner vanes at inlet is 0.03 m and the
angle of the inlet guide vanes is set at 180 . Assuming that the absolute flow velocity is
radial at exit, find the torque and Power delivered by the turbine. Calculate the hydraulic
efficiency.
Solution
N  1260 rpm r1  0.6 m

H  124 m b1  0.03 m

Q  0.5 m3 s 1  720
r1  0.6 m

A1  2r1b1  2  0.6  0.03  0.1131 m 2

Q 0.5 1
C r1    4.42 m s
A1 0.1131

C r1
tan 1 
Cu1

C r1 4.42
Cu1    13.6 m s
tan 1 tan 18

N 1260
U1  2 r1  2  0.6   79.17 m s
60 60
gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81H 0  79.17 13.6  0 H 0  109.76 m

(a) Power delivered by the turbine

Power  mechgQH 0

Power  11000 9.81 0.5 109.76

Power  538372.8 W Power  538.4 kW
(b) The torque
Power  T  

53
 Power Power 538.4 1000
T   T  4080 N  m
 2
N
2 
1260
60 60
(c) The hydraulic efficiency
H 0 109.76
 Hy  
Ha 124

 Hy  0.885  Hy  88.5%

Example (2.3)
An inward flow radial turbine has an overall efficiency of 74 per cent. The net head H
across the turbine is 5.5 m and the required power output is 125 kW . The runner tangential
velocity is 0.97 2 gH while the flow velocity Cr1  is 0.4 2 gH . If the speed of the runner is
230 rpm with hydraulic losses accounting for 18 percent of the energy available, calculate

the inlet runner vane angle, the runner diameter at inlet and the height of the runner at
inlet. Assume that the discharge is radial.
Solution
H a  5.5 m U 1  0.97 2 gH

Power  125 kW C r1  0.4 2 gH

N  230 rpm
 Hy  0.82

U 1  0.97 2 gH

U1  0.97 2  9.81 5.5  10.08 m s

Cr1  0.4 2 gH a

Cr1  0.4 2  9.81 5.5  4.16 m s

H 0   Hy  H a

H 0  0.82  5.5  4.51 m

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81 4.51  10.08  Cu1  0 Cu1  4.39 m s

(a) The inlet runner vane angle

C r1
tan 1 
C u1  U 1

54
 4.16
tan 1 
4.39  10.08

tan 1  0.7311 1  143.80

(b) The runner diameter at inlet

N
U1  D1
60
230
10.08  D1 D1  0.837 m
60
(c) The height of the runner at inlet
Power  0 gQH a

1251000  0.741000 9.81 Q  5.5 Q  3.13 m3 s

Q 3.13
A1    0.7524 m 2
C r1 4.16

A1  2r1b1

A1 0.7524
b1    0.286 m b1  28.6 cm
2r1 2  0.837
2
Example (2.4)
An inward flow reaction turbine working under a head of 15 m has an external diameter of
1.08 m and internal diameter of 0.54 m. The turbine is running at 200 rpm. The width of the

turbine at inlet is 240 mm and radial flow velocity through the runner is constant and equal
to 2.16 m s . The inlet flow angle is 100 to the tangent of the wheel and discharge at the
outlet is radial. Draw the inlet and outlet velocity triangles and determine:
(1) The absolute velocity of water at the runner inlet
(2) The whirl velocity at inlet
(3) The relative velocity at inlet
(4) The runner blade angles
(5) Volume flow rate of water
(6) Width of runner at outlet
(7) Hydraulic efficiency of the turbine
(8) Power developed by the turbine

55
Solution
H a  15 m b1  0.24 m

D1  1.08 m C r1  C r 2  2.16 m s

D2  0.54 m 1  100
N  200 rpm

N 200
U 1   D1    1.08   11.31 m s
60 60
N 200
U 2   D2    0.54   5.65 m s
60 60
(1) The inlet water velocity
C r1
sin  1 
C1

C r1 2.16
C1    12.44 m s
sin  1 sin10

(2) The whirl velocity at inlet

C r1
tan  1 
C u1

C r1 2.16
Cu1    12.25 m s
tan 1 tan 10

(3) The relative velocity at inlet

W1  C r21  Cu1  U 1 
2

W1  2.162  12.25  11.312

W1  2.36 m s

(4) The runner blade angles

C r1 2.16
tan 1    2.298 1  66.50
Cu1  U 1 12.25  11.31

C r 2 2.16
tan  2    0.3823  2  20.9 0
U 2 5.65

(5) Volume flow rate of water

Q  C r1 .A1

56
 Q  Cr1 . D1b1  2.16   1.08  0.24  1.76 m3 s

(6) Width of runner at outlet

Q  C r 2 .A2

Q  C r 2 . D2 b2

1.76  2.16    0.54  b2 b2  0.48 m  480 mm

(7) Hydraulic efficiency of the turbine

gH 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81 H 0  11.3112.25  0 H 0  14.12 m

H 0 14.12
 Hy    0.941  Hy  94.1%
Ha 15

(8) Power developed by the turbine

P  0 ρ g Q H a

P   Hy  m ρ g Q H a

P  0.941 1  1000 9.81 1.76  15

P  16247W  16.25 kW

57
Example (2.5)
A reaction turbine works at 450 rpm under a head of 120 m. Its diameter at inlet is 1.2 m and
inlet flow area 0.4 m 2 . The angle made by the absolute and relative velocities at inlet are
200 and 600 , respectively with the tangential velocity. Determine:

(a) The volume flow rate

(b) The Hydraulic efficiency
(c) The power developed
Solution
N  450 rpm A1  0.4 m 2
H a  120 m 1  200
D1  1.2 m 1  600

N 450
U 1   D1    1.2   28.27 m s
60 60
C r1
(1) tan  1  Cr1  Cu1 tan 1
C u1

C r1
(2) tan 1 
Cu1  U 1

Cu1 tan 1
tan 1 
Cu1  U 1

Cu1 tan  1
Cu1  U 1 
tan 1

C u1 tan 20
C u1  28.27 
tan 60

Cu1  28.27  0.21Cu1

0.79Cu1  28.27 Cu1  35.78 m s

Cr1  Cu1 tan 1  35.78 tan20  13.02 m s

(a) The volume flow rate

Q  Cr1 .A1  13.02  0.4  5.21 m3 s

(b) The Hydraulic efficiency

gH 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

58
 9.81 H 0  28.27  35.78  0 H 0  103.11 m

H 0 103.11
 Hy    0.86  Hy  86%
Ha 120

(8) Power developed by the turbine

P  0 ρ g Q H a

P   Hy  m ρ g Q H a

P  0.86  1  1000 9.81 5.21 120

P  5274562 W P  5274.6 kW
Example (2.6)
The following data refer to an inward flow reaction turbine:
Turbine Head 86.4 m
Speed of the runner 650 rpm

Shaft Power 397 kW

Ratio of blade width to blade diameter at inlet 0.10
Ratio of inner diameter to the outer diameter 0.50
Constant radial flow velocity 7m s

Hydraulic efficiency 95%

Overall efficiency 85%
Discharge radial
Determine:
(a) The dimensions of the turbine
(b) The flow angles
(c) The blade angles
Solution
H a  86.4 m D2
 0.5
D1
N  650 rpm
C r1  C r 2  7 m s
P  397 kW
 Hy  0.95
b1
 0.1 m
D1 0  0.85

59
 P  0 ρ g Q H a

397 1000  0.85 1000 9.81 Q  86.4 Q  0.551 m3 s

Q  C r1 .A1

0.551  7  A1 A1  0.0787 m 2

Q  C r 2 .A2

0.551  7  A2 A2  0.0787 m 2

(a) The dimensions of the turbine

(1) At the turbine inlet
A1   .D1 .b1

0.0787    D1  0.1D1

D12  0.2505 D1  0.5 m

b1  0.1D1  0.1  0.5 b1  0.05 m

(1) At the turbine inlet

D2  0.5D1  0.5  0.5 D2  0.25 m

A2   .D2 .b2

0.0787    0.25  b2 b2  0.1 m

(b) The flow angles

N 650
U 1   D1    0.5   17.02 m s
60 60
N 650
U 2   D2    0.25   8.5 m s
60 60
H 0   Hy .H a  0.95  86.4  82.08 m

g.H 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81 82.08  17.02  Cu1  0

Cu1  47.31 m s

C r1 7
tan 1   1  8.4 0
Cu1 47.31

 2  900

60
(c) The blade angles
C r1 7
tan 1    0.2311 1  130
Cu1  U 1 47.31  17.02

Cr 2 7
tan  2    0.8235  2  39.50
U 2 8.5

61
2.6 Net Head across Francis Turbine
The net head H 0 across the turbine is the difference in the total head between the
inlet flange and the tail water level. Thus
P1 C12
Turbine Runner inlet total head    Z1 and
g 2 g

P2 C 22
Turbine Runner outlet total head    Z2
g 2 g

where the pressures are gauge pressures. Summing these,

Total head across turbine  H 0
 P C2  P C2 
H 0   1  1  Z1    2  2  Z 2  H loss  (2.7)
 g 2 g   g 2 g 

Where point (1) is the inlet to the runner and point (2) is the exit from the runner
H loss  Head losses through the turbine runner (From point (1) to point (2))

Or, Total head across turbine  H 0

 P1 C12 
H 0     Z1   H loss (2.8)
 g 2 g 

H loss  Head losses through the turbine

2.7 A Draft Tube

A draft tube is connected between runner exit and tail race to obtain continuous
stream of water between them. It is diverging tube. The pressure increases and velocity
decreases in the tube. The tail race pressure is atmospheric and runner exit pressure is
negative (below atmospheric). Then the net head acting on the turbine increases. The
turbine works with a larger head and more power is developed by the turbine. This is the
main advantage of installing a draft tube. All Francis turbines will have a draft tube.
The draft tube serves the following two purposes:
1. It allows the turbine to be set above tail water level, without loss of head, to facilitate
inspection and maintenance
2. It regains, by diffuse action, the major portion of the kinetic energy delivered to it from
the runner

62
At rated load, the velocity at the upstream end of the tube for modern units ranges from
7 m s to 9 m s , representing from 2.7 to 4.8 head. As the specific speed is increased and

the head is reduced, it becomes increasingly important to have an efficient draft tube.
Good practice limits the velocity at the discharge end of the tube from 1.5 m s to 2.1 m s ,
representing less than 0.3 m velocity head loss.
2.7.1 Draft Tube Theory
Consider a turbine fitted with a draft tube (conical) as shown in figure (2.8).
Let: y  Distance of the bottom of draft tube from tail race
Patm  Atmospheric pressure at the surface of tail race

Fig. (2.8): Turbine with draft tube

Applying Bernoulli's equation between point (2) which represents the runner exit or inlet
to draft tube and point (3) which represents the draft tube exit:
P2 V22 P V2
  Z 2  3  3  Z 3  hloss in draf ttube
g 2 g g 2 g

P2 V22 P3 V32
  y2    0  hloss in draf ttube
g 2 g g 2 g

P2 V22 P3 V32
  y2    0  hf
g 2 g g 2 g
63
 P2 P V 2  V22
 3  y2  3  0  hf
g g 2g

But the pressure P3  Patm  y

P2  Patm  gy  V 2  V22
    y 2  3  hf
g  g  2g

P2 Patm  V32  V22 

   y  y 2     hf 
g g  2g 

The term  y 2  y  which represents the vertical distance between the runner exit and
the tail water level is called suction head of draft tube and is denoted by H s .

P2 Patm  V32  V22 

  H s    hf 
g g  2g 

V22  V32
 The dynamic head of draft tube
2g

P2 Patm  V22  V32 

  H s    hf  (2.9)
g g  2g 

In this equation the pressure at point (2) is less than the atmospheric pressure
2.7.2 Efficiency of a Draft Tube
The efficiency of draft tube is defined as the ratio of net gain in pressure head to the
velocity head at entrance of draft tube. Thus:
Net gain in pressure head
 D.T 
Velocity head at entrance of draft tube

 V22  V32 
  hf 
ηD.T   2g 
V22
2g

ηD.T 
V 2
2

 V32  2 g.h f
(2.10)
V22

Where: V2  Velocity of water at point (2) (inlet to draft tube)

V3  Velocity of water at point (3) (outlet from draft tube)

The losses in draft tube can be calculated:

V22  V32 V22
hf    D.T . (2.11)
2g 2g

64
2.7.3 Position of turbine above the tail water level Efficiency of a Draft Tube
To enable the turbine to be set above the water level, figure (2.8), a draft tube
provided and connected between the water exit and the tail race level.
A partial vacuum is produced at the upper end of the draft tube, which compensates
for the height at which the turbine runner is set within certain limits. The turbine rotor
could be set at different elevations without altering the available head.
Another function to draft tube is to reduce the exit velocity from the turbine in such
a way that the kinetic energy rejected in tail race could be reduced.
However, the draft tube is considered an integral part of the turbine, hence the term
head loss is omitted and the resulting parameter then covers the combination of runner and
its draft tube. This parameter is known by Thoma cavitation factor;
 Patm Pv 
   H s 
g g
c    (2.12)
Ha

The value of  c at which cavitation occurred is called the critical value of Thoma
cavitation factor. This value could be determined by experiments. This can be done by
varying H s and noting the value of  c at which the power and efficiency are started to
change, figure (2.9).
The above expression is usually used to determine the maximum elevation above
the tail water surface at which a turbine can be set without resultant cavitation as
following;
Patm Pv
Hs     c .H a (2.13)
g g

A given turbine running at given N s is to work under increased head, the turbine
must be lowered, i.e. the greater the total head the less the suction head must be.
The critical cavitations number depends upon the type of turbine and is a function of the
specific speed.

65
 Fig. (2.9): Location of draft tube in relation to vertical shaft Francis turbine

2.7.4 Types of Draft Tube

The draft tube is an integral part of a reaction turbine. Its principle has been
explained earlier. The shape of draft tube plays an important role especially for high
specific speed turbines, since the efficient recovery of kinetic energy at runner outlet
depends mainly on it. Typical draft tubes, employed in practice, are discussed as follows.
(1) Straight divergent tube: The shape of this tube is that of frustum of a cone as shown
in figure (2.10a). It is usually employed for low specific speed, vertical shaft Francis
turbine. The cone angle is restricted to 8 0 to avoid the losses due to separation. The tube
must discharge sufficiently low under tail water level. The maximum efficiency of this
type of draft tube is 90%. This type of draft tube improves speed regulation of falling load.
(2) Simple elbow type: The vertical length of the draft tube should be made small in order
to keep down the cost of excavation, particularly in rock as shown in figure (2.10b). The
exit diameter of draft tube should be as large as possible to recover kinetic energy at
runner's outlet. The cone angle of the tube is again fixed from the consideration of losses
due to flow separation. Therefore, the draft tube must be bent to keep its definite length.
Simple elbow type draft tube will serve such a purpose. Its efficiency is, however, low
(about 60%). This type of draft tube turns the water from the vertical to the horizontal
direction with a minimum depth of excavation.

66
(3) Elbow type with varying cross section: the transition from a circular section in the
vertical portion to a rectangular section in the horizontal part as shown in figure (2.10c) is
incorporated in the design to have a higher efficiency of the draft tube. The horizontal
portion of the draft tube is generally inclined upwards to lead the water gradually to the
level of the tail race and to prevent entry of air from the exit end.

(a) Straight type (b) Simple elbow type (c) Elbow type with varying
cross section
Fig. (2.10): Draft Tube Types
2.7.5 Turbine Losses
The losses can once again be related in terms of an energy balance through the turbine:
P  Pm  Pr  Pc  Pl  Ps (2.14)
where Ps  shaft power output, Pm  mechanical power loss, Pr  runner power loss,
Pc  casing and draft tube loss, Pl  leakage Joss and P  water power available.

Together, Pr  Pc  Pl , is the hydraulic power loss.

Runner power loss Pr is due to friction, shock at impeller entry and flow separation, and
results in a head loss hr associated with a flow rate through the runner of Qr :
Pr  gQr hr N.s m (2.15)
Leakage power loss Pl is caused by a flow rate q leaking past the runner and therefore not
being handled by the runner. Thus
Q  Qr  q (2.16)
and, with a total head H r across the runner, the leakage power loss becomes
Pl  gH r q N.s m (2.17)
Casing power loss Pc is due to friction, eddy and flow separation losses in the casing and
draft tube. If this head loss is hc then

67
 Pc  gQ hc N.s m (2.18)
The total energy balance of Eq. (1.14) thus becomes
gQH  Pm  g hr Qr  hc Q  H r q  Ps  (2.19)
Then we have
Shaft output power
Overall efficiency 
Fluid power available at inlet flange
Ps
0  (2.20)
gQH a

Power received by runner

Hydraulic efficiency 
Fluid power available at inlet flange
Ps  Pm
Or Hy  (2.21)
gQH a

The term Ps  Pm  gQH of Equation (2.21) is the theoretical energy transfer per unit
weight of fluid flow.
2.7.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Francis Turbine over a Pelton wheel
(A) Advantages
The Francis turbine claims the following advantages over Pelton wheel:
1. In Francis turbine the variation in the operating head can be more easily controlled
2. In Francis turbine the ratio of maximum and minimum operating heads can be even two
3. The operating head can be utilized even when the variation in the tail water level is
relatively large when compared to the total head
4. The mechanical efficiency of Pelton wheel decreases faster with wear than Francis
turbine
5. The size of the runner, generator and power house required is small and economical if
the Francis turbine is used instead of Pelton wheel for same power generation
(B) Disadvantages
As compared with Pelton wheel, the Francis turbine has the following disadvantages
1. Water which is not clean can cause very rapid wear in high head Francis turbine
2. The overhaul and inspection is much more difficult comparatively
3. Cavitation is an ever – present danger
4. The water hammer effect is more troublesome with Francis turbine
68
5. If Francis turbine is run below 50 percent head for a long period it will not only lose its
efficiency but also the cavitation danger will become more serious.
Example (2.7)
An inward Francis turbine rotates at 200 rpm and discharges 0.8 m 3 s . The radial
velocity at inlet C r1  3 m s , the physical data are: r1  0.5 m , r2  0.2 m , 1  150 ,  2  600 ,
the pressure head at exit is 6 m . Assuming a loss of head of 2 m , and the discharge is
radial, find:
(a) Theoretical overall head
(b) Power delivered by the turbine
(c) The pressure head at entrance
Solution
C r1  3 m s N  200 rpm

Q  0.8 m3 s 1  150

r1  0.5 m  2  600
r2  0.2 m H loss  2 m

N
U1  2 r1
60
200
U 1  2  0.5   10.47 m s
60
N
U 2  2 r2
60
200
U 2  2  0.2   4.19 m s
60
C r1
tan  1 
C u1

C r1 3
Cu1    11.2 m s
tan 1 tan 15

Cr 2
tan  2 
U2

C r 2  U 2 tan  2  4.19 tan 60  7.26 m s

(a) Theoretical overall head

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

69
 9.81 H 0  10.47 11.2  0 H 0  11.95 m

(b) Power delivered by the turbine

P   m gQH 0

P  11000 9.81 0.8 11.95

P  93783.6 W P  93.8 kW
(c) The pressure head at entrance
C1  Cr21  Cu21

C1  32  11.22  11.6 m s

C 2  C r 2  7.26 m s

 p C2  p C2 
H 0   1  1  Z1    2  2  Z 2  H loss 
 g 2 g   g 2 g 

p
11.95   1 
11.62  0    6  7.262  0  2 
  
 g 2  9.81   2  9.81 
p1
11.95   6.86  6  2.69  2
g
p1 p1
11.95   3.83  15.78 m
g g

Example (2.8)
A vertical shaft Francis turbine has an overall efficiency of 90 % and runs at 428 rpm
with a water discharge of 15.5 m3 s . The flow velocity Cr1  at the inlet of the runner is

8.5 m 3 s and the pressure head and kinetic head at this point is 140 m , the centerline of
the casing being 3 m above the tail water level. The peripheral velocity of the runner is
30 m s . The hydraulic efficiency is 90 % . Determine:

(a) The output power in kW.

(b) The dimensionless specific speed.
(c) The inlet flow angle.
(d) The runner blade angle at inlet.
Solution

70
 Cr1  8.5 m s p1 C12 0  0.9
  140 m
g 2 g
Q  15.5 m3 s  Hy  0.9
Hs  3 m
N  428 rpm U1  30 m s

 p1 C12 
H 0     H s   H loss
 g 2 g 
H 0  140  3  0  143 m

 0   Hy  m

0.9  0.9  m m  1

(a) The output power in kW

P   m gQH 0

P  11000 9.8115.5 143

P  21743865W  21743.8 kW
(b) The dimensionless specific speed
H0 143
Ha    158.89 m
 Hy 0.9

N P
N s
 gH a 5 4
428
21743.8 1000
N s  60
10009.81158.895 4

N s  0.11 rev

(c) The inlet flow angle

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81143  30  Cu1  0 Cu1  46.76 m

C r1 8.5
tan 1   1  10.30
Cu1 46.76

(d) The runner blade angle at inlet

Cr 1
tan 1 
Cu1  U1

8.5
tan 1 
46.76  30

71
 8.5
tan 1  1  26.90
16.76

Example (2.9)
A Francis turbine has a diameter of 1.4 m and rotates at 430 rpm . Water enters the runner
without shock with a flow velocity Cr1  of 9.5 m s and leaves the runner without whirl
with an absolute velocity of 7 m s . The difference between the sum of the static pressure
and potential heads at entrance to the runner and at the exit from the runner is 62 m . If
the turbine develops 12250 kW and has a flow rate of 12 m3 s of water when the net head
is 115 m , find
(a) The absolute velocity of the water at entry to the runner
(b) The flow angle of the inlet
(c) The entry angle of the runner blades and
(d) The head lost in the runner.
Solution
H a  115 m Cr1  9.5 m s

P  12250 kW Cr 2  7 m s  C2

N  430 rpm  p1  p 
  Z1    2  Z 2   62 m
D1  1.4 m  g   g 

N 430
U1  D1   1.4   31.52 m s
60 60
P   m  gQH 0

12250103  11000 9.8112  H 0 H 0  104.1 m

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81104.1  31.52  Cu1  0 Cu1  32.4 m s

(a) The absolute velocity of the water at entry to the runner

C1  Cr21  Cu21

C1  9.52  32.42  33.76 m s

72
(b) The flow angle of the inlet
Cr1 9.5
tan 1   1  16.340
Cu1 32.4

(c) The entry angle of the runner blades

C r1 9.5 9.5
tan 1    1  84.7 0
Cu1  U1 32.4  31.52 0.88

(d) The head lost in the runner

 p1 C12   p2 C22 

H0     Z1      Z 2  H loss 
 g 2 g   g 2 g 

p  p  C2 C2
H 0   1  Z1    2  Z 2   1  2  H loss
 g   g  2g 2g

 p1   p2  C12  C22
H 0    Z1     Z 2    H loss
 g   g  2g

104.1  62 
33.762  7 2
H
2  9.81
loss

104.1  62  55.6  H loss

104.1  117.6  H loss H loss  13.5 m

Example (2.10)
Show that the hydraulic efficiency for a Francis turbine having radial flow velocity
component through the runner is constant, is given by the relation:
2
 Hy 
tan 2  1
2
 tan  1 
1  
 tan  1 

Solution
(1) From Euler equation:
g.H 0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

g.H 0  U1Cu1  0

U 1C u1
H0 
g

(2) The available head can be calculated:

H a  H 0  H losses in turbine

73
 C 22
Ha  H0 
2g

U 1Cu1 C 22
Ha  
g 2g

2U 1Cu1  C 22
Ha  but C 2  C r 2  C r1
2g

2U 1Cu1  C r21
Ha 
2g

(3) The Hydraulic efficiency can be calculated from the relation:

H0 U1Cu1  g
 Hy  
Ha 
2U 1Cu1  C r21 2 g
2U 1Cu1
 Hy 
2U 1Cu1  C r21

(4) From the inlet velocity triangle:

C r1
(i) tan  1  Cr1  Cu1 tan 1
C u1

C r1
(ii) tan 1 
Cu1  U 1

Cu1  U1  tan 1  Cr1

Cu1  U1  tan 1  Cu1 tan 1
Cu1 tan 1  U1 tan 1  Cu1 tan 1

U1 tan 1  Cu1 tan 1  Cu1 tan 1

Cu1 tan 1  tan  1 

U1 
tan 1

 tan  1 
U 1  Cu1 1  
 tan 1 

(5) Using the relation for hydraulic efficiency:

2U 1Cu1
 Hy 
2U 1Cu1  C r21

74
  tan  1 
2C u1  C u1 1  
 tan 1 
 Hy 
 tan  1 
2C u1  C u1 1    C u21 tan 2  1
 tan  1 

 tan  1 
21  
 tan  1 
 Hy 
 tan  1 
21    tan 2  1
 tan  1 
2
 Hy 
tan 2  1
2
 tan  1 
1  
 tan 1 

Example (2.11)
An inward flow vertical shaft reaction turbine runs at a speed of 375 rpm under an
available net total head from inlet flange to tailrace of 62 m . The external diameter of the
runner is 1.5 m and the dimensionless power specific speed based on the power transferred
to the runner is 0.14 rev. Water enters the runner without shock with a flow velocity of
9 m s and leaves the runner without whirl with an absolute velocity of 7 m s . It enter the

draft tube at 7 m s and discharges to the tail race with a velocity of 2 m s . The mean height
of the runner entry plane is 2 m above the tailrace level while the entrance to the draft tube
is 1.7 m above the tail race. At entrance to the runner the static pressure head is 35 m above
atmospheric pressure, while at exit from the runner the static pressure head is 2.2 m below
atmospheric pressure. Assuming a hydraulic efficiency of 90 per cent, find
(a) The runner blade entry angle,
(b) The runner blade entry angle,
(c) The head lost in the volute casing and guide vanes, in the runner and in the draft tube.
(d) Runner exit diameter if the blade height at exit is 0.389 m
(e) If the flow inlet to draft tube with the same velocity at runner exit, determine the inlet
and exit diameter of draft tube.
Solution
N  375 rpm Cr1  9 m s p2 p
 atm  2.2 m
g g
H a  62 m Cr 2  7 m s  C2

75
 D1  1.5 m Hs  2 m V2  7 m s

N s  0.14 rev p1 p V3  2 m s
 atm  35 m
g g
 Hy  0.9

N
U1  D1
60
375
U1   1.5   29.45 m s
60
H 0   Hy  H a  0.9  62  55.8 m

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81 55.8  29.45 Cu1  0 Cu1  18.59 m s

C1  Cr21  Cu21

C1  92  18.592  20.65 m s

(a) The volume flow rate

N P
Ns 
 gH 5 4
375
P
0.14  60
10009.81 625 4

P  4577704W  4577.7 kW
P   m gQH 0

4577.7 103  11000 9.81 Q  55.8 Q  8.36 m3 s

(b) The runner blade entry angle

C r1
tan 1 
Cu1  U 1

9 9
tan 1  
18.59  29.45  10.86
tan 1  0.8287

1  140.350

(c) (i)The head lost in the volute casing

Applying Bernoulli's equation from point (0) to point (1)

76
 p0 V02 p V2
  Z 0  1  1  Z1  H loss
g 2 g g 2 g

p0 V02 p C2
  Z 0  1  1  Z1  H loss
g 2 g g 2 g

62  35 
20.652  2  H loss H loss  3.27 m
2  9.81
Head Lost in Volute Casing  3.27 m

(c) (ii) The head lost in the runner

The total head can be calculated from the relation
 p C2  p C2 
H 0   1  1  Z1    2  2  Z 2  H loss 
 g 2 g   g 2 g 

p
55.8   atm  35 
20.652  2    patm  2.2  72  1.7  H 
  g loss 
 g 2  9.81   2  9.81 
55.8  58.73  2  H loss

55.8  56.73  H loss H loss  0.93 m

Head Lost in the runner  0.93 m

(c) (iii) The head lost in the draft tube
For losses in draft tube
P2 Patm  V 2  V32 
  H s   2  hf 
g g  2g 

Patm Patm  7 2  22 

 2.2   1.7    hf 

g g  2  9.81 
 2.2  1.7  2.294  h f h f  1.794 m

(d) Runner exit diameter

Q  Cr 2  A2

Q  Cr 2  2r2b2

8.36  7  2  r2  0.389 r2  0.4886 m

(e) The inlet and exit diameter of draft tube

(i) The draft tube inlet diameter
Q 8.36
A2    1.194 m 2
V2 7

77
 
A2  D22
4

1.194  D22 D2  1.233 m
4
(ii) The draft tube exit diameter
Q 8.36
A3    4.18 m 2
V3 2


A3  D32
4

4.18  D32 D3  2.3 m
4
Example (2.12)
In a vertical shaft inward flow reaction turbine, the sum of the pressure and kinetic heads
at entrance to the spiral casing is 120 m and the vertical distance between this section and
the tail race level is 3 m. The peripheral velocity of the runner at entry is 30 m/s, the radial
velocity of the water is constant at 9 m/s and the discharge from the runner is without
whirl. The estimated hydraulic losses are:
(1) Between turbine entrance and exit from the guide vanes 4.8 m.
(2) In the runner 8.8 m.
(3) In the draft tube 790 mm.
(4) Kinetic head rejected to the tail race 460 mm.
Calculate the inlet flow angle, the runner blade angle at inlet and the pressure head at entry
to the runner.

78
Solution
U1  30 m s Losses12  4.8 m

Cr 3  Cr 2  9 m s Losses3e  8.8 m

p1 C12 Lossese4  0.79 m

  120 m
g 2 g
Kinetic Energy Rejected  0.46 m
Hs  3 m

 P1 C12 
Ho     H s   Losses
 g 2 g 
H o  120  3  4.8  8.8  0.79  0.46

H o  12314.85 H o  108.15 m

(a) The inlet flow angle

gH0  U 3Cu3  U eCue

9.81108.15  30  Cu3  0 Cu3  35.33 m s

Cr 3 9
tan  3    3  14.30
Cu 3 35.33

(b) The runner blade angle at inlet

Cr 3
tan  3 
Cu 3  U 3

9
tan  3   1.6886
35.33  30

79
  3  59.360

(c) The pressure head at entry to the runner

C3  C u 3 2  C r 3 2

C3  35.332  92  36.46 m s

Applying Bernoulli’s equation between points (1) and (3):
P1 C12 P3 C32
    Losses13
g 2 g g 2 g

P3 (36.49) 2
120    4.8
g 2(9.81)

P3 (36.49) 2 P3
Pressure head  120   4.8  47.3 m
g 2(9.81) g

Example (2.13)
A conical draft tube having inlet and outlet diameters 1.2 m and 1.8 m discharges water at
outlet with a velocity of 3 m s . The total length of the draft tube is 7.2 m and 1.44 m of the
length of draft tube is immersed in water. If the atmospheric head is 10.3 m of water and
loss of head due to friction in the draft tube is equal to 0.2  velocity head at outlet of the
draft tube, determine:
(a) Pressure head at inlet
(b) Efficiency of the draft tube
Solution
D2  1.2 m
D3  1.8 m
V3  3 m s
y  7.2 m
y 2  1.44 m
p atm
 10.3 m
g
V2
h f  0.2 3
2g
Q  V2 A2  V3 A3

V2 A2  V3 A3

 
V2 . D22  V3 . D32
4 4
80
 V2  1.2  3  1.8 V2  6.75 m s
2 2

H s  y  y2  7.2  1.44  5.76 m

h f  0.2
V32
 0.2 
32  0.092 m
2g 2  9.81

(a) Pressure head at inlet

P2 Patm  V 2  V32 
  H s   2  hf 
g g  2 g 

P2  6.752  32 
 10.3  5.76    0.092
g  2  9.81 
P2
 10.3  5.76  1.8635  0.092
g
P2 P2
 10.3  7.5315  2.7685 m
g g

(b) Efficiency of the draft tube

ηD.T 
V 2
2

 V32  2 g.h f
V22

ηD.T 
6.75 2 2

 3  2  9.81 0.092
6.752
36.5625  1.805 34.7575
ηD.T    0.763 ηD.T  76.3 %
45.5625 45.5625
Example (2.14)
A Francis turbine installation is working under a head of 20 m develops 1120 kW . when
running at 355 rpm . The efficiency of the draft tube is expressed as the ratio of head
gained to the inlet kinetic energy. The cross-sectional area of draft tube outlet is four
times the inlet area, loss in divergence due to friction is
0.2
inlet velocity - outlet velocity2 .
2g

(a) Find the highest position possible of the turbine relative to the tail race, assume
the hydraulic efficiency  0.85.
(b) Calculate the efficiency of the draft tube.

81
(c) What will be the reading of a pressure gauge set at the inlet of the draft tube, if
the inlet area of the draft tube  3 m 2 . (Assume atmospheric pressure  1.03 bar
vapour pressure  0.05 bar ). Take the critical cavitation factor is 0.25.
Solution
H a  20 m patm  1.03 bar

P  1120 kW pv  0.05 bar

N  355 rpm
hf 
0.2
V2  V3 2
 Hy  0.85 2g

 c  0.25

A2  3 m 2

A3  4A2

H 0   Hy  H a

H 0  0.85 20  17 m

P  m  g Q H 0

1120 103  11000 9.81 Q 17 Q  6.716 m3 s

(a) The highest position possible of the turbine relative to the tail race
p atm p v
Hs   cHa
g g

1.03  105 0.05  105

Hs    0.25  20
1000 9.81 1000 9.81
H s  10.5  0.51  5 Hs  5 m

(b) Calculate the efficiency of the draft tube

A3  4 A2  4  3  12 m 2

Q 6.716
(1) V2    2.24 m s
A2 3

Q 6.716
(2) V3    0.56 m s
A3 12

(3) h f 
0.2
V2  V3 2
2g

82
 hf 
0.2
2.24  0.562  0.0288 m
2  9.81

 V22  V32 
  hf 
ηD.T   2g 
V22
2g

 2.242  0.562 
  0.0288
  
 
2 9. 81
ηD.T
2.24 2

2  9.81
0.24  0.0288
ηD.T   0.825 ηD.T  82.5%
0.25574
(c) The reading of a pressure gauge set at the inlet of the draft tube
P2 Patm  V 2  V32 
  H s   2  hf 
g g  2g 

P2  2.242  0.562 
 0  5    0.0288
g  2  9.81 
P2 P2
 5  0.2398  0.0288  5.211 m
g g

Example (2.15)
A vertical shaft inward flow Francis turbine is to be installed in a situation where a
much longer draft tube than usual must be used, the turbine runner is 760 mm diameter and
the circumferential area of flow at inlet is 0.2 m 2 . The overall operating head is 30 m and
the speed is 6.25 rev s . The guide vane angle is 150 and the inlet angle of the runner blades
is 750 . At outlet, water leaves the runner without whirl. The axis of the draft tube is
vertical, its diameter at the upper end is 450 mm . The friction loss plus the kinetic energy
rejected to the tail race is given by:
H loss meters  0.03 Q 2 L

where Q m3 s  is the flow rate and L m  the length. If the absolute pressure head at the top
of the tube is not to fall below 3.6 m of water, calculate the hydraulic efficiency of the
turbine and show that the maximum permissible length of draft tube above the level of the

83
tail race is about 5.35 m . (The length of the tube below tail water level may be neglected.
Atmospheric pressure  10.3 m water head).
Solution
A2  0.2 m 2

H a  30 m

N  6.25 rev s

1  150

1  750
D2  450 mm

V32
H loss  0.03Q L  h f 
2
2g

U   D N    0.76  6.25  14.9 m/s

C r1
tan 1 
C u1U 1

C r1
Cu1  U 1 
tan 1

Cr1
Cu1  14.9 
tan 75

Cu1  14.9  0.268 Cr

C r1
tan 1 
Cu1

tan 15 
C r1
14.9  0.268C r1

14.9  3.464 Cr1 Cr1  4.3 m/s

Cu1  16.05 m/s

Q  Cr1.A1

Q  4.3  0.2 Q  0.86 m3 s

gH0  U1Cu1  U 2Cu 2

9.81 H 0  14.9 16.05  0 H 0  24.4 m

84
 H 0 24.4
 Hy    0.813
Ha 30

Q Q 0.86
V2     5.4 m s
A2  D 2  0.452
2
4 4
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between (2) and (3):
The pressure at inlet to the draft tube:
P2 Patm  V22  V32 
  H s    hf 
g g  2g 

P2 Patm V 2 V 2 
  H s   2  3  h f 
g g  2g 2g 

P2 Patm V 2 V 2 
  H s   2   3  h f  
g g  2g 
  2g 

 V22
3.6  10.3  H s   
 0.03Q 2 L 
 2g 

 5.42
3.6  10.3  L   
 0.03  0.86 L
2

 2  9.81 
3.6  10.3  L  1.486  0.0222L 

3.6  10.3  L  1.486  0.0222L

0.9778L  5.214 L  5.33 m

Example (2.16)
It is required to construct a hydraulic turbine for a hydraulic power plant, the available net
head is 57 m and the available discharge is 10 m3 s. The proposed turbine type is inward
Francis, the turbine runner has the following dimensions: the rotor outside diameter
D1  5 m, assume the rotating speed N  200 rpm . The hydraulic efficiency = 85 %. Find:

(a) The maximum permissible height of the turbine above the tail race, given that
the atmospheric pressure Patm  1.03 bar , vapor pressure is 0.05 bar, and the relation
between the specific speed and the critical Thoma cavitation factor is given by:
Specific speed (rad) 0.1653 0.41324 0.66121 0.9918

85
 Critical Thoma cavitation factor 0.04 0.15 0.35 0.8
Solution
H a  57 m N  200 rpm

Q  10 m3 s Pa  1.03 bar

D1  5 m Pv  0.05 bar

(a) The maximum permissible height

o   m Hy  0.85 0.95  0.808

P  0 gQH a

P  0.808100010  57  460560 W  460.56 kW

N P
Ns 
 gH a 5 / 4
200
460560
Ns  60  0.0263 rev  0.1653 rad
10009.81 575 / 4

From table  c at N s  0.1653 rad  c = 0.04

Pa P
Hs   v cHa
g g

1.03  105 0.5  105

Hs    0.04  57
1000 9.81 1000 9.81
H s  10.5  5.1  2.28 H s  3.12 m

The height portion of the turbine above the tailrace is 7.5 m

86