Francis turbine
1 Answer
Answer :
Francis turbine In Francis Turbine water flow is radial into the turbine and exits the Turbine axially. Water pressure decreases as it passes through the turbine imparting reaction on the turbine blades making the turbine rotate. Francis Turbine has a circular plate fixed to the rotating shaft perpendicular to its surface and passing through its center. This circular plate has curved channels on it; the plate with channels is collectively called as runner. The runner is encircled by a ring of stationary channels called as guide vanes. Guide vanes are housed in a spiral casing called as volute. The exit of the Francis turbine is at the center of the runner plate. There is a draft tube attached to the central exit of the runner. Francis Turbines are generally installed with their axis vertical. Water with high head (pressure) enters the turbine through the spiral casing surrounding the guide vanes. The water looses a part of its pressure in the volute (spiral casing) to maintain its speed. Then water passes through guide vanes where it is directed to strike the blades on the runner at optimum angles. As the water flows through the runner its pressure and angular momentum reduces. This reduction imparts reaction on the runner and power is transferred to the turbine shaft.