Bulb Turbine Head: Inlet, Outlet & Head Explained

[Dirk123]

Hi All,

My question is about bulb turbines and head.
Bulb turbines are used for tidal energy.
I guess the inlet and the outlet of the turbine (or the pipe where the turbine is mounted) are both under water.
Is head the difference in height between the water surface at the inlet and the water surface at the outlet?

And what if a bulb turbine is used in a way that the outlet is not under water?
Is the head the difference between the surface and the center of the turbine?
Or between the surface and the top of the turbine?
Or is this situation not possible and must a bulb turbine always be completely under water?

 

[Achy47]

Hello,

Thank you for your question about bulb turbines and head in relation to tidal energy. You are correct in your understanding that the inlet and outlet of the turbine, or the pipe where the turbine is mounted, are both under water. Head is indeed the difference in height between the water surface at the inlet and the water surface at the outlet.

If a bulb turbine is used in a way that the outlet is not under water, then the head would be measured from the surface to the center of the turbine. This is because the water level at the outlet would be at the same height as the water level at the inlet. The head is an important factor in determining the potential energy that can be harnessed by the turbine.

In the scenario where the outlet is not under water, it is possible that the turbine may not function properly or efficiently. This is because the design and operation of bulb turbines are optimized for being completely under water. The water pressure and flow are important factors in driving the turbine and generating energy.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any further inquiries, please don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck in your research on tidal energy and bulb turbines.