Which of the following advantages is/are possessed by a Kaplan turbine...
Advantages of a Kaplan turbine over a Francis turbine:
- Low frictional losses: A Kaplan turbine has lower frictional losses compared to a Francis turbine. This is because Kaplan turbines have a runner with adjustable blades that can be optimized for various operating conditions. The adjustable blades allow for better control of the flow of water, reducing the frictional losses and improving the overall efficiency of the turbine.
- Part load efficiency: The part load efficiency of a Kaplan turbine is considerably higher than that of a Francis turbine. This means that even at lower flow rates or loads, the Kaplan turbine can still operate efficiently. The adjustable blades of the Kaplan turbine allow it to maintain a high efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions, making it suitable for variable flow conditions.
- Compact and smaller in size: Kaplan turbines are more compact and smaller in size compared to Francis turbines. This is because Kaplan turbines have a vertical shaft arrangement, which allows for a more compact design. The compact size of the Kaplan turbine makes it easier to install in locations with limited space.
Explanation:The Kaplan turbine is a type of axial flow turbine that is specifically designed for low to medium head hydropower plants. It is known for its efficiency and flexibility in operating at varying flow rates. On the other hand, the Francis turbine is a type of radial flow turbine that is commonly used in medium to high head hydropower plants.
One of the advantages of the Kaplan turbine over the Francis turbine is its low frictional losses. The adjustable blades of the Kaplan turbine allow for better control of the flow of water, reducing the frictional losses and improving the overall efficiency of the turbine. This results in higher energy conversion and lower energy losses compared to the Francis turbine.
Another advantage of the Kaplan turbine is its high part load efficiency. The adjustable blades of the Kaplan turbine allow it to maintain a high efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions, including lower flow rates or loads. This means that even at partial loads, the Kaplan turbine can still operate efficiently and generate power effectively. In contrast, the Francis turbine may experience a decrease in efficiency at lower flow rates or loads.
Additionally, the Kaplan turbine is more compact and smaller in size compared to the Francis turbine. This is mainly due to the vertical shaft arrangement of the Kaplan turbine, which allows for a more compact design. The compact size of the Kaplan turbine makes it easier to install in locations with limited space and also reduces the overall footprint of the turbine system.
In conclusion, the Kaplan turbine possesses several advantages over the Francis turbine, including low frictional losses, high part load efficiency, and a more compact and smaller size. These advantages make the Kaplan turbine a preferred choice for hydropower plants with low to medium head conditions and variable flow rates.