turbinas hidraulicas

Introduction to Hydraulic Turbines

Definition and Functionality

• A hydraulic turbine is a machine that transforms hydraulic energy from water into rotational energy of an axis, achieving efficiencies up to 90% in optimal conditions.

• The initial design of hydraulic turbines was based on traditional water wheels, which utilized the kinetic energy of flowing water.

Energy Transformation

• Water's potential energy converts to kinetic energy as it falls, impacting the turbine wheel and causing rotation. This process involves both kinetic and potential energies.

• Turbines can harness both types of energy: kinetic (from moving water) and potential (from height).

Components of a Hydraulic Turbine

Structure Overview

• Key components include an inlet pipe for water entry, a distributor for even flow around the axis, and a runner (or rotor) with blades or cups attached.

• The runner connects directly to the turbine shaft, which is linked to a generator that produces electricity when rotated by the turbine's movement.

Classification of Hydraulic Turbines

Axial vs Radial Orientation

• Turbines can be classified based on their axis orientation: horizontal or vertical configurations are common in designs like Pelton (horizontal) and Kaplan (vertical).

Water Entry Direction

• Water can enter radially or axially; radial entry means entering at right angles to the axis while axial entry aligns parallel with it. Tangential turbines also exist where water enters tangentially to the runner.

Types of Hydraulic Turbines

Action vs Reaction Turbines

• Action turbines operate through direct impact from falling water on the runner blades, generating motion through forceful contact. An example is seen in Pelton turbines.

• Reaction turbines, such as Francis turbines, rely on pressure changes created by flowing water rather than direct impact; they utilize both incoming and outgoing flows for operation.

Examples of Common Turbines

• The Pelton turbine features spoon-like buckets designed for high-speed jets of water striking them directly—characteristic of action-type designs.

Turbinas Hidráulicas: Tipos y Funcionamiento

Introducción a las turbinas hidráulicas

• Las turbinas hidráulicas suelen tener un eje vertical o horizontal, con el agua entrando tangencialmente al rodete.

• El agua sale por toberas que dirigen el flujo hacia las cucharas de la turbina, siendo ideales para saltos de agua grandes con bajo caudal.

Turbina Pelton

• La turbina Pelton se basa en el golpe del agua; cuanto mayor es la altura del salto, más fuerza produce sobre el rodete.

• Este tipo de turbina utiliza una entrada radial y salida axial, lo que permite un movimiento eficiente del agua.

Turbina Kaplan

• La turbina Kaplan es una turbina de reacción donde el agua entra radialmente y sale axialmente.

• Un difusor en la salida crea un remolino que genera succión, favoreciendo el movimiento del rodete.

• Se utilizan en situaciones con poco salto pero alto caudal, como ríos sin caída significativa.

Turbina Francis

• La turbina Francis es versátil y puede operar en una amplia gama de saltos y caudales.

• Tiene un distribuidor con álabes móviles que optimizan la entrada de agua al rotor, mejorando la eficiencia.

Comparación entre tipos de turbinas

• Las tres principales turbinan son Pelton, Kaplan y Francis; esta última es la más utilizada debido a su adaptabilidad.

• Aunque generalmente son ejes horizontales, también pueden ser verticales dependiendo del diseño específico.

Recursos adicionales