Francis Turbine

what is francis turbine ?

The Francis turbine is a type of water turbine used in hydroelectric power plants. It was developed by James B. Francis in the mid-19th century and is widely used for generating electricity from the energy of flowing water.

The Francis turbine is a reaction turbine, which means that it operates by both impulse and reaction forces. It consists of a runner, which is the rotating part, and a stationary casing. The runner has curved blades that are designed to efficiently harness the energy of the water as it passes through.

Water enters the turbine through the casing and flows into the runner. The curved blades of the runner accelerate the water, converting its potential energy into kinetic energy. As the water flows through the runner, it changes direction, causing a reaction force that further rotates the turbine. This rotational motion is then transferred to a generator, which produces electricity.

One of the key features of the Francis turbine is its ability to operate efficiently over a wide range of water flow rates and head (the height difference between the water source and the turbine). This makes it suitable for various hydroelectric power applications, from low-head to high-head installations.

The design and construction of Francis turbines have evolved over the years, with improvements in efficiency, durability, and maintenance. They are commonly used in large-scale hydroelectric power plants worldwide, contributing significantly to renewable energy production.

In summary, the Francis turbine is a versatile and widely used water turbine that efficiently converts the energy of flowing water into electricity. Its design allows for optimal performance across different water flow rates and head conditions, making it a valuable technology for harnessing hydropower.

Must Read : Kaplan Turbine

francis turbine diagram

francis turbine parts

Certainly! Here are the main parts or components involved in the construction of a Francis turbine:

1. Penstock: The penstock is a large pipe or conduit that delivers water from a reservoir or water source to the turbine. It is designed to withstand the pressure of the water and transports it to the turbine with minimal losses.
2. Casing: The casing, also known as the scroll case or volute, is a stationary structure surrounding the runner. Its primary function is to guide the water flow from the penstock to the runner, ensuring that the water enters the runner with the desired velocity and direction.
3. Guide Vanes: The guide vanes, also called wicket gates, are adjustable blades located at the inlet of the turbine. Their role is to regulate the flow of water entering the runner. By adjusting the position of the guide vanes, the turbine’s output and efficiency can be controlled.
4. Governing Mechanism: The governing mechanism is a system that controls the operation of the turbine. It monitors and adjusts the position of the guide vanes or other parameters to maintain a constant speed or power output, ensuring stable operation under varying water flow conditions.
5. Runner and Runner Blades: The runner is the rotating part of the turbine, consisting of a hub and curved blades. It is directly connected to the turbine shaft. The runner blades are designed to efficiently convert the water’s kinetic energy into rotational energy, driving the shaft and eventually the generator.
6. Draft Tube: The draft tube is a component located at the outlet of the turbine. Its purpose is to efficiently discharge the water leaving the runner and convert its kinetic energy into pressure energy. The draft tube helps increase the overall efficiency of the turbine by reducing energy losses and increasing the effective head.

These are the main parts or construction components of a Francis turbine. Each part plays a vital role in harnessing the energy of flowing water and converting it into mechanical energy to generate electricity in a hydroelectric power plant.

francis turbine working principle

The working principle of a Francis turbine is based on the conversion of the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity. The turbine operates through a combination of impulse and reaction forces. Here’s a breakdown of the working principle of a Francis turbine:

1. Water Intake: The process begins with water being channeled from a reservoir or water source through a penstock, which is a large pipe or conduit that delivers the water to the turbine.
2. Casing and Guide Vanes: The water enters the turbine casing, also known as the scroll case or volute. Inside the casing, there are guide vanes, also called wicket gates or distributor blades. These adjustable blades regulate the flow of water into the turbine and control its direction and velocity. By adjusting the position of the guide vanes, the flow rate and power output of the turbine can be controlled.
3. Runner: The water, controlled by the guide vanes, then enters the runner, which is the rotating component of the turbine. The runner consists of a central hub and curved blades. The shape and angle of the blades are designed to efficiently capture the energy of the water.
4. Impulse and Reaction: As the water flows through the runner, it imparts both impulse and reaction forces on the turbine. Initially, the water’s kinetic energy is converted into impulse energy as it strikes the curved blades of the runner. This impulse force causes the runner to rotate.
5. Reaction and Power Generation: As the water moves along the curved blades of the runner, it changes direction. This change in direction creates a reaction force, further accelerating the rotation of the runner. The kinetic energy of the moving water is gradually converted into mechanical energy as the runner spins.
6. Shaft and Generator: The mechanical energy from the rotating runner is transferred to a shaft, which is connected to a generator. The rotating motion of the shaft drives the generator, converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generated electricity can then be transmitted and used to power various devices and systems.
7. Draft Tube: After passing through the runner, the water exits the turbine through a draft tube. The draft tube is a cone-shaped or diffuser-like structure that helps to efficiently discharge the water and recover any remaining energy. By reducing the water’s velocity and converting it back into pressure energy, the draft tube improves the overall efficiency of the turbine.

In summary, the working principle of a Francis turbine involves the controlled flow of water through the guide vanes and runner, where the water’s kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy through impulse and reaction forces. This mechanical energy is then used to drive a generator, ultimately producing electrical power.

application of francis turbine

The Francis turbine finds application in various hydroelectric power generation scenarios due to its versatility and efficiency. Some of the common applications of Francis turbines are:

1. Large-scale Hydropower Plants: Francis turbines are extensively used in large-scale hydropower plants where a significant amount of water and a considerable head (the height difference between the water source and turbine) are available. These turbines can handle a wide range of water flow rates and provide high efficiency, making them ideal for generating electricity on a large scale.
2. Medium-scale Hydropower Plants: Francis turbines are also suitable for medium-scale hydropower installations that have moderate water flow rates and heads. These plants can be found in various settings such as rivers, irrigation canals, or small dams. Francis turbines offer reliable power generation under such conditions, contributing to local or regional electricity needs.
3. Pumped Storage Hydropower: Francis turbines play a crucial role in pumped storage hydropower plants, which serve as a means of energy storage. During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When electricity demand increases, water is released from the upper reservoir through the Francis turbine, generating electricity and meeting the power requirements. This process enables the efficient utilization of energy and helps manage peak demand periods.
4. Run-of-River Hydropower: In run-of-river hydropower projects, where a steady flow of water is available in rivers or streams, Francis turbines are utilized to generate electricity. These projects typically do not involve the construction of large reservoirs, as the turbine operates by utilizing the natural flow of the river. Francis turbines are well-suited for such applications, offering high efficiency and reliability in harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water.
5. Small-scale Hydropower Systems: Francis turbines can be adapted for small-scale hydropower systems, catering to localized electricity needs. These systems are commonly used in rural areas, where water streams or irrigation canals can be harnessed to generate electricity for nearby communities or individual households. The flexibility and adaptability of Francis turbines make them a suitable choice for small-scale applications.

The application of Francis turbines extends beyond these examples, with variations and adaptations catering to specific project requirements. Overall, their efficiency, wide operating range, and ability to handle different water flow rates and heads make them a reliable and widely utilized technology in the field of hydroelectric power generation.

advantages of francis turbine

The Francis turbine offers several advantages, making it a preferred choice for hydroelectric power generation. Here are some key advantages of Francis turbines:

1. High Efficiency: Francis turbines are known for their high efficiency in converting the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy and ultimately electricity. Their design allows for optimal energy extraction from the water, resulting in efficient power generation. This high efficiency contributes to improved overall plant performance and cost-effectiveness.
2. Versatility: Francis turbines are versatile and can operate effectively over a wide range of water flow rates and heads. They can adapt to different site conditions, making them suitable for various hydroelectric power generation projects, from low-head to high-head installations. This versatility enhances their applicability and allows for flexible deployment.
3. Stable Performance: Francis turbines exhibit stable performance under varying operating conditions. They can maintain a consistent speed and power output, thanks to the governing mechanisms that adjust the position of the guide vanes or other operating parameters. This stability ensures reliable and continuous electricity generation, contributing to a steady power supply.
4. Wide Range of Sizes: Francis turbines are available in a wide range of sizes, allowing for both large-scale and small-scale power generation. They can be tailored to match the specific requirements of different projects, making them adaptable to various installation sizes. This flexibility enables their application in different settings and ensures scalability.
5. Cost-Effective Operation: The high efficiency and reliable performance of Francis turbines contribute to cost-effective operation. They maximize the utilization of available water resources, resulting in increased energy production. Additionally, their sturdy construction and low maintenance requirements help minimize operating and maintenance costs over the turbine’s lifespan.
6. Renewable and Environmentally Friendly: Francis turbines facilitate the generation of electricity from a renewable energy source—flowing water. Hydroelectric power is considered clean and environmentally friendly, as it produces no direct emissions of greenhouse gases or air pollutants during operation. Francis turbines contribute to sustainable energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
7. Long Lifespan: Francis turbines are designed to be durable and have a long operational lifespan. With proper maintenance and care, they can operate reliably for several decades. This longevity ensures a sustainable and stable power generation solution, contributing to the long-term viability of hydroelectric projects.

These advantages make the Francis turbine an attractive choice for harnessing hydropower and play a significant role in the widespread use of this technology in hydroelectric power generation worldwide.

disadvantages of francis turbine

While the Francis turbine offers numerous advantages, there are also certain disadvantages associated with its use. Here are some of the key disadvantages of Francis turbines:

1. Limited Applicability to Low-Head Sites: Francis turbines are not as efficient or suitable for low-head hydropower sites where the available head is relatively low. Due to their design and operating characteristics, they are more optimized for medium to high-head installations. For low-head sites, other turbine types like Kaplan turbines or propeller turbines may be more appropriate.
2. Sensitivity to Sediment and Debris: Francis turbines are susceptible to damage or reduced efficiency when exposed to high levels of sediment, debris, or large particles in the water. The presence of these materials can cause erosion, abrasion, and fouling of the turbine components, leading to performance degradation and increased maintenance requirements. Regular cleaning and proper filtration systems are necessary to mitigate these issues.
3. Limited Part-Load Efficiency: The efficiency of Francis turbines tends to decrease at partial load or during operation at lower flow rates. This means that when the turbine operates below its optimal design conditions, such as during periods of low water flow, its efficiency may decrease. This can impact the overall energy generation and reduce the turbine’s performance during such operating conditions.
4. Complex Design and Construction: Francis turbines have a relatively complex design and construction compared to other types of turbines. This complexity can result in higher initial costs for manufacturing and installation. Additionally, maintenance and repair of Francis turbines can be more intricate and time-consuming, requiring skilled technicians and specialized equipment.
5. Environmental Impact: While hydropower is considered a renewable energy source, the construction and operation of Francis turbines can have environmental impacts. Building dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric power plants can lead to habitat disruption, altered water flows, and potential displacement of local communities or wildlife. Careful planning and mitigation measures are necessary to minimize these environmental effects.
6. Limited Availability of Suitable Sites: The installation of Francis turbines requires access to suitable water resources with sufficient flow rates and heads. Identifying and securing appropriate sites for hydroelectric projects can be challenging, as there may be limited locations with the necessary conditions for efficient turbine operation. This can limit the widespread implementation of Francis turbines.

While the disadvantages exist, they can be mitigated or managed with proper planning, design considerations, and maintenance practices. The specific disadvantages may vary depending on the project requirements and site characteristics. It is essential to carefully evaluate these factors when considering the use of Francis turbines for hydroelectric power generation.

difference between kaplan and francis turbine

Certainly! Here is a table highlighting the main differences between Kaplan and Francis turbines:

Please note that this table provides a general overview of the differences between Kaplan and Francis turbines. Specific design variations and advancements may result in further differentiating factors.

Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_turbine