Improved Operation and Method of a Reaction Turbine for Enhancing Net Head

Abstract

In a reaction turbine, the amount of energy harnessed depends on discharge and net head. The two variables are mutually exclusive or in which one variable is dependent on another and in which the increase of head will decrease the flow required by the hydraulic turbine or vice versa. There is a need for improving the existing hydropower system and the method for enhancing the net head of a reaction turbine is essential. The present invention will hold the key in novelty during the design and excavation of tail race channel or for Renovation, Modernization and Uprating (RMU) of the existing old hydro power plants. The proper redesign of tail water channel, selecting suitable width, depth and by adopting flow regulating means will yield improve the net head substantially and thereby saving of discharge to an extent. The present invention enables to improve net head and saves discharge considerably, thereby enhancing the capacity factor of the hydro plant. The novelty and the innovation is granted an Indian patent for the method of enhancing the net head of a reaction turbines.