Examining the Potential of Split Reaction Water Turbine for Ultra-Low Head Hydro Resources

Theoretical performance analysis of a split reaction water turbine for ultra-low head hydro resource is presented in this paper. The spilt reaction water turbine has shown good potential to be used for low head micro hydro-electric installations. The main advantage of this turbine is its simplicity to manufacture and reasonable energy conversion efficiency of about 65-70% (hydro to mechanical energy). Theoretical investigation has also shown a simple reaction water turbine would perform better when it spins faster. And for the simple reaction water turbine to spin faster under constant water head, its diameter should be smaller. This paper reports on a performance analysis based on the experimental data collected from different performance tests carried out on two simple reaction water turbine prototypes. Further parametric analysis of split reaction water turbine has been discussed in relation to the supply head, turbine diameter and its rotational speed. Finally this paper investigates the power production potential of an ultra-low head hydro site on a vine farm in Taggerty, Victoria, Australia. The methods used for hydro site survey are briefly discussed with the survey results over the driest period of the year. Optimum layout design of hydro system for this site is presented with the estimations of the maximum net head that is available for power production.