Efficiencies of Micro - Hydro Pelton Turbine with Variation of Number of buckets

Abstract

In this study, a method of selecting the optimal number of buckets is provided in order to design Micro-Hydro Pelton turbine. For design of high efficiency Pelton turbine, the theoretical method selecting the number of buckets is deduced from the angle of incidence minimizing losses in the bucket. To verify the theoretical method, lab scale test rig of Pelton turbine is used and efficiency of Pelton turbine is calculated according to operating conditions and numbers of buckets. Comparison between theoretical value and experimental result shows that Pelton turbine with 19 buckets demonstrates maximum efficiency. This method gives insight into how appropriate number of buckets is selected in designing high efficiency of Pelton turbine.