Optimization of the Operational Conditions for Low-Head Pelton Wheel Turbine Developed for Power Generation

In a bid to optimize the performance of a Pelton Wheel Turbine developed the performance evaluation of the turbine at various conditions was carried out using a portion of the overflow from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) dam. The collected overflow has a net head of 4 m, flow rate of 0.017m3/sec. and theoretical hydropower energy of 668W. The turbine was tested and the optimized value of operating conditions namely; angle of inclination (15o above tangent, tangential and 15o below tangent), height to impact point (200 mm, 250 mm and 300 mm) and length to impact point (50 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm) were pre-set at their various levels. The measured outputs were Turbine Speed, Turbine Torque, Alternator Speed as well as the output voltage. The optimum values of the process output or measured parameters were determined statistically using a 33X2 factorial experiment in three replicates. The optimum Turbine speed (538.38 rpm) in off load condition was achieved at 250 mm height to impact point, 150 mm length to impact point and angle at tangential inclination. Similar combination also yielded an optimum turbine torque of 46.16 kNm. The optimum Turbine speed (392.02 rpm) in on-load condition was achieved at 250 mm height to impact point, 150 mm length to impact point and angle at tangential inclination. Similar combination also yielded an optimum Turbine Torque of 36.46kNm, optimum Alternator speed of 1768.56 rpm and an optimum output voltage of 7.87V. The results therefore show that the turbine must be set at 250 mm height to impact point, 150 mm length to impact point and the water jet at a tangential flow for it to perform optimally.