Turbine rpm with generator load

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the performance characteristics of a hydro turbine when a generator is attached, specifically focusing on how the generator's load affects the turbine's RPM and power output. The context includes theoretical considerations of torque, RPM, and the implications of generator weight on turbine performance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the final power and RPM of the turbine when a generator is attached, questioning whether the generator's weight will reduce the RPM.
  • Another participant asks whether the generator will produce AC or DC, indicating that the type of generator may influence the discussion.
  • A participant asserts that if the turbine produces 10 HP at 600 RPM without the generator, this output will not change when the generator is connected, although there may be losses due to friction and electrical inefficiencies.
  • It is suggested that the turbine's torque/power curve should be analyzed to determine optimal power output.
  • Concerns are raised that the weight of the generator will not affect the power output but may influence the speed at which the turbine reaches its operational RPM.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the impact of the generator's weight on the turbine's RPM and power output. There is no consensus on how the generator's load will affect the turbine's performance, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential parasitic losses and electrical inefficiencies but do not provide detailed calculations or assumptions regarding these factors. The discussion does not clarify the specific characteristics of the generator or the operational conditions under which the turbine will be tested.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineers and researchers involved in turbine design, hydroelectric power generation, or those interested in the dynamics of mechanical systems under load.

dilipbhanu
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Hi, I have developed a hydro turbine (reaction type) I am testing the turbine for 3 bar input pressure (30 meter head). The turbine diameter is 30 inches. Torque produced is 109 Nm with 600 RPM without the generator (no load). As per Torque and RPM, power available at shaft (without generator) is 10HP.

Question: How do I calculate final power / RPM when the generator is attached. Will the RPM reduce because of the weight of the generator. If yes, what will be the final RPM if a the generator weight is 15 KG
 
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Are you intending to generate AC or DC?
 
dilipbhanu said:
Torque produced is 109 Nm with 600 RPM without the generator (no load). As per Torque and RPM, power available at shaft (without generator) is 10HP.
109 N.m (or 10 hp) is a load.
dilipbhanu said:
Question: How do I calculate final power / RPM when the generator is attached.
If the generator requires a 10 hp input @ 600 rpm, then your turbine will produce 10 hp @ 600 rpm.

If it requires less and your turbine is still producing 10 hp, the assembly will accelerate until the turbine's output equals the generator's input or when something will break.

If it requires more and your turbine is still producing 10 hp, the assembly will decelerate until the turbine's output equals the generator's input or when it completely stops.
 
If it the turbine produces 10HP (7.5KW) without the generator, it's not going to change when you connect it, just turning the generator.. There'll be a little parasitic friction loss from bearings and perhaps the cooling fan when it's not under a load, and when it is generating power, there'll be some electrical inefficiency as well (~20% loss at full power, greater percentage at partial loads probably).

You need to find the torque/power curve of the turbine to determine where it makes the most power.

The weight of the generator alone will not change the power output, it will only change how fast it changes speed (a heavier one will take longer to get up to speed)
 

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