An impulse turbinea)always operates submergedb)makes use of a draft tu...
Impulse Turbine:
An impulse turbine is a type of water turbine that operates by the principle of converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. It is commonly used in hydroelectric power plants to generate electricity from flowing water.
Operating Principle:
The impulse turbine operates on the principle of initial complete conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. It consists of a set of stationary nozzles or guide vanes that direct the flow of water onto a series of rotating blades or buckets. The water enters the turbine with a high pressure head and low velocity. As it passes through the nozzles, the pressure head is converted into high-velocity jet of water. This high-velocity jet impinges on the rotating blades, causing them to rotate. The blades are designed in such a way that they capture the kinetic energy of the water and convert it into rotational motion.
Conversion Process:
The conversion process in an impulse turbine can be summarized as follows:
1. Potential Energy: The water enters the turbine with a high pressure head due to its position in the reservoir or penstock.
2. Nozzles: The water is directed through the stationary nozzles, which convert the high pressure head into a high-velocity jet of water.
3. Jet Impact: The high-velocity jet of water impinges on the rotating blades of the turbine, causing them to rotate.
4. Kinetic Energy: The kinetic energy of the water is transferred to the rotating blades, resulting in rotational motion.
5. Power Generation: The rotational motion of the blades is used to drive a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Advantages:
- High efficiency: Impulse turbines are known for their high efficiency in converting the energy of flowing water into mechanical or electrical energy.
- Simple design: Impulse turbines have a relatively simple design and are easy to maintain.
- Wide range of applications: Impulse turbines can be used in a variety of settings, including small-scale micro-hydro systems and large-scale hydroelectric power plants.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, an impulse turbine operates by initially converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. This is achieved by directing the water through nozzles, which convert the pressure head into a high-velocity jet. The kinetic energy of the water is then transferred to the rotating blades of the turbine, resulting in rotational motion and power generation.
An impulse turbinea)always operates submergedb)makes use of a draft tu...
Impulse Turbine
A impulse turbine is a type of water turbine that operates by initially converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. It is commonly used in hydroelectric power plants and is known for its high efficiency and reliability.
Operating Submerged
Contrary to option (a), an impulse turbine does not always operate submerged. In fact, impulse turbines are designed to operate above the water level, with the water jet directed onto the turbine blades.
Draft Tube
Option (b) is incorrect as well. An impulse turbine does not make use of a draft tube. A draft tube is a component used in reaction turbines to recover the kinetic energy of water leaving the turbine and convert it back into pressure energy. Impulse turbines, on the other hand, do not require a draft tube as they operate based on the principle of converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy.
Conversion to Kinetic Energy
The correct answer, option (c), states that an impulse turbine operates by initially converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. This is the fundamental principle behind the operation of an impulse turbine. The water enters the turbine through a nozzle, which accelerates the flow and increases its velocity. This high-velocity jet of water then strikes the turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The kinetic energy of the water is transferred to the turbine blades, resulting in mechanical work.
Pressure Head to Velocity Conversion
Option (d) is incorrect. While impulse turbines do convert pressure energy into kinetic energy, this conversion occurs in the nozzle, not throughout the vanes. The vanes of an impulse turbine are designed to efficiently capture the kinetic energy of the water jet and convert it into mechanical work, rather than further converting pressure energy into velocity.
In summary, an impulse turbine operates by initially converting the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. It does not always operate submerged, does not require a draft tube, and the conversion of pressure energy into velocity occurs in the nozzle, not throughout the vanes.