Francis Turbine Test System

The Francis Turbine Test System, manufactured and supplied by Atto Labware India, is a sophisticated unit designed for studying the performance characteristics of a high-efficiency reaction turbine. This apparatus demonstrates the principles of converting fluid pressure and kinetic energy into mechanical shaft power. It allows students to determine key performance parameters under various head and speed conditions, making it indispensable for Mechanical, Hydraulic, and Renewable Energy Engineering laboratories.

Educational Objectives

Students and researchers will be able to:

Determine the Input Hydraulic Power and Output Mechanical Power of the turbine.
Construct the Operating and Performance Characteristic Curves (e.g., Efficiency vs. Speed/Flow, Head vs. Flow).
Calculate the Hydraulic Efficiency, Mechanical Efficiency, and Overall Efficiency of the turbine.
Study the effect of Head and Guide Vane/Gate Opening on turbine performance.
Understand the concept of Runaway Speed and Unit Quantities for turbine scaling.

Performance Measurement

Measurement of Net Head ( $H$ ) across the turbine using pressure gauges or transducers at the inlet and outlet.
Measurement of Water Flow Rate ( $Q$ ) using a flow meter (e.g., Venturi or Orifice).
Measurement of Output Torque ( $T$ ) and Speed ( $N$ ) using a dynamometer (brake unit) coupled to the turbine shaft.
Calculation of Brake Power (Output) and Water Power (Input).
Plotting of Main Characteristic Curves at constant head.

Panel and Instruments / Components

Francis Turbine Unit: A reaction turbine with a spiral casing, guide vanes (gate mechanism), and a runner. The casing is often clear acrylic for visualization.
Brake Dynamometer: Typically a mechanical or electrical absorption dynamometer (or the Universal Drive and Brake Unit) to measure the mechanical output power ( $T$ and $N$ ).
Pressurization System: Pump and piping circuit to supply water to the turbine inlet at a controlled head.
Instrumentation Panel: Digital displays for Speed (RPM) and Torque (Nm), along with pressure gauges/transducers for head measurement.
Flow Control: Inlet or discharge valves for regulating water flow.

Specifications (Includes Technical Data)

Feature	Detail
Turbine Type	Francis (Reaction Turbine)
Working Fluid	Water (Closed Loop Recirculation)
Loading Device	Dynamometer (Mechanical or Electrical)
Max Power Output	$\sim 0.5$ kW (Typical Educational)
Max Flow Rate ( $Q_{max}$ )	$\sim 4.0$ Litres/second (Typical)
Max Operating Head ( $H_{max}$ )	$\sim 15$ to $25$ meters (Typical)
Instrumentation	Digital Speed/Torque Display, Pressure Gauges
Construction	Blue Powder-Coated Stand, Stainless Steel Piping

Note: Customized specifications, accessories, panel instruments, and LabVIEW software available on request.

Francis Turbine Test System