Kaplan Turbines
Reaction turbine — low-head, high-flow applications
Kaplan turbines are axial-flow reaction turbines generally considered for low-head, high-flow applications. The propeller-style runner with adjustable blades, combined with adjustable guide vanes, allows efficient operation across varying flow conditions.
Turbine photograph
to be supplied
Typical Applications
- Low-head run-of-river schemes
- Sites with large design discharge and limited head
- Plants with significant seasonal flow variation
- Refurbishment of existing low-head installations
Operating Principle
Water flows axially through the runner. A cam mechanism coordinates guide-vane opening and runner-blade angle so the blade pitch follows the operating point, sustaining efficiency over a wide flow range. Discharge and output are regulated jointly by the guide vanes and blade actuator.
Main Components
- Propeller runner with adjustable blades
- Blade actuating mechanism and oil-pressure system
- Guide vanes and regulating mechanism
- Turbine casing and draft tube
- Main shaft, bearings and coupling
Configurations
- Vertical shaft arrangements typical for low-head plants
- Applicability confirmed against site head, flow and setting conditions
Generator & Control-System Integration
Governor with blade-angle cam coordination, generator integration, cavitation and turbine-setting assessment, and electrical balance of plant.
Technical specifications, ratings and dimensions are prepared per project following review of site data. No performance figure on this page constitutes a guaranteed value.