The Kaplan Turbine is a type of axial flow reaction turbine named after Dr. B. Kaplan, a German engineer. It is best suited for low-head applications, where the height difference of water flow is small. Since the power produced by a turbine depends on both the flow rate (Q) and the head (H), when the head decreases, the flow rate must increase to maintain the same power output.

In this setup, water enters the turbine through fixed guide vanes and flows through the runner in an axial direction. The runner includes a hub with airfoil shaped vanes, and it is housed inside a scroll casing. A centrifugal pump is used to supply water to the turbine. The runner is mounted on one end of a stainless-steel shaft, while the other end is connected to a brake system used for applying load. This helps in calculating the efficiency of the turbine.

For easy observation, a transparent acrylic cylinder is placed between the draught tube and the casing so users can see how the water moves over the vanes. The runner assembly is strongly supported by a cast iron pedestal. The setup also includes a control panel, a draught tube at the outlet, and a guide mechanism. To measure the total head of water supplied to the turbine, pressure and vacuum gauges are fitted at both the inlet and outlet.

Experimental Objective 

·        Study the operation and working principles of the Kaplan Turbine.

·        Determine the output power of the Kaplan Turbine.

·        Calculate the overall turbine efficiency.

Utilities Required Other Than Above Supply

Continuous water supply and proper drainage facility.

Electrical connection: 15 kW, 440 V AC, three-phase.

Specifications