Hydro · 8 min read · Energy Atlas Editorial
Francis, Kaplan, and Pelton Turbines
Three classic machines cover most hydraulic heads used in hydroelectric plants.
- hydro
Pelton wheels are impulse machines for high heads: jets strike buckets. Francis turbines are reaction machines for medium heads. Kaplan turbines are adjustable-blade propellers for low heads and large flows. Selection charts match head and flow to machine type.
Related terms: Francis turbine, Kaplan turbine, Pelton turbine