TECHNICAL SEMINAR III
KAPLAN TURBINE
PRESENTED BY
Name : A. GURU MAHESH Roll No : 23BFA02L02
Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
SRI VENKATESWARA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(Autonomous)
Karakambadi Road, Opp. LIC Training Center
Tirupati-517507
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OUTLINE
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Advantages
Disadvantages
Applications
Conclusion
References
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ABSTRACT
The Kaplan turbine is a propeller-type water turbine with adjustable blades, invented by
Austrian professor Viktor Kaplan in 1913. It's an evolution of the Francis turbine,
designed for efficient power production in low-head applications. Kaplan turbines are
axial-flow reaction turbines, meaning water flows through the turbine parallel to the axis
of rotation. This design allows for a high degree of efficiency, especially at low head
conditions.
A Kaplan turbine design
schematic showing the water
flow through the turbine blades
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INTRODUCTION
What is a Kaplan Turbine?
The Kaplan Turbine operates based on the fundamental principle of axial flow reaction,
where water flows through the runner in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. This
design enables the turbine to harness both the kinetic and pressure energy of the water at its
inlet, facilitating effective blade rotation within a hydro-power station.
Kaplan Turbine consists of following main parts:
•Turbine Shaft
•Guide Vane
•Runner Vanes
•Scroll Casing
•Draft Tube
•Tail Race
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INTRODUCTION
1. Turbine Shaft: The rotating axis connecting the runner to the generator, transmitting
mechanical energy.
2. Guide Vanes: Stationary vanes directing water flow into the runner, controlling flow
rate and angle.
3. Runner Vanes (or Blades): Adjustable, propeller-like blades attached to the turbine
shaft, converting water energy into mechanical energy.
4. Scroll Casing (or Spiral Casing): A spiral-shaped casing distributing water evenly
around the runner, reducing turbulence.
5. Draft Tube: A diverging tube downstream of the runner, recovering kinetic energy from
exiting water and reducing pressure.
6. Tail Race: The channel or passage carrying water away from the turbine after energy
extraction.
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BACKGROUND
The Kaplan turbine was invented by Viktor Kaplan, an Austrian engineer, in 1913. His
design was a significant advancement over earlier propeller turbines, incorporating
adjustable blades to improve efficiency.
1913
1 Viktor Kaplan invents the first adjustable-blade propeller turbine.
1920s
2 Early Kaplan turbines are installed in hydroelectric plants.
1930s
3 Further development leads to increased efficiency and wider application.
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ADVANTAGES
High efficiency (over 90%)
Optimal performance in low-head applications
Adjustable blades for variable flow conditions Cost and Maintenance
Low maintenance costs
Long operational life (up to 50 years)
Reduced wear and tear due to adjustable blades
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DISADVANTAGES
While Kaplan turbines offer numerous advantages, they also have some drawbacks
that need to be considered.
Kaplan turbines are more expensive to
High Cost manufacture and install than other
types of turbines.
They require more complex
Complex Maintenance maintenance than other types of
turbines, due to their adjustable blades.
They are not suitable for high head
Limited Head Range applications, as their efficiency
decreases at higher heads.
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APPLICATIONS
Hydroelectric power stations
Low-head applications
High-flow power production-
Offshore wave energy generation
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Conclusion
The Kaplan turbine is a highly efficient and versatile solution for low-
head hydroelectric power production. Its adjustable blades and wicket
gates make it an ideal choice for various applications.
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REFERENCES
Books
1. "Hydraulic Turbines and Hydroelectric Power Plants" by P. N. Gandhi (ISBN:
978-8122424414)
2. "Turbines for Hydroelectric Power Plants" by V. S. Lobanov (ISBN: 978-
3642053541)
3. "Hydroelectric Energy Conversion" by A. M. Kogan (ISBN: 978-1118971414)
Online Resources
4. Wikipedia: Kaplan turbine
5. (link unavailable) Hydroelectric Power Plants - Kaplan Turbines
6. ScienceDirect: Kaplan Turbine - An overview
7. Hydro Review: Kaplan Turbine Technology
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Thank You
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