International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | Jun 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Methods To Reduce Hydro Turbine Generator Cost Manoj Kumar Shukla Lecturer (TPO), Kalaniketan Polytechnic College, Jabalpur (MP), India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - Optimal costing of turbine generator is very Turbine Type Typical Speed (rpm) important in deciding the overall costing of power plant. Effect Kaplan (propeller) 60–150 of various parameters on the generator cost is studied in the paper, mainly effect of these parameters on inertia effect of Francis 150–600 turbine are covered. Though this is generally applicable to all power plant turbine, however in the current work major Pelton (single jet) 200–600 emphases is given to hydro power plant turbine. Starting from selection of site, design-simulation to selection of various Pelton (multi-jet) 300–1000 components has a direct or indirect impact on the generator Crossflow (Banki) 100–300 cost which are elaborated in current study. Key Words: Hydro turbine, Generator, Cavitation, Runner, Power Plant, Tail race.
Table 1: Turbine Type with respect to Typical Speed Range
1.INTRODUCTION
2. FACTORS AFFECTING INERTIA EFFECT OF TURBINE TO REDUCE GENERATOR COST
Turbine inertia which means the mass and rotational speed of the turbine impacts the generator cost mainly because high inertia means more torque variation during speed changes. Generators must be stronger and larger to handle the mechanical stresses. Larger generator leads to higher material cost, bigger bearings, stronger shafts etc. Further the kind of turbine such (wind, hydro, steam) Power range (kW, MW) and direct drive or gearbox decides the Inertia Effect of turbine to reduce generator cost. In the present work we are concerned with hydro turbine direct drive and factors affecting the generator cost. Therefore, let us elaborate the role of hydro turbine and direct drive on the Inertia Effect of turbine rotor to reduce generator cost. Inertia is a major factor, especially at low speeds (big runners means big inertia which requires big generator), specifically for hydro turbine direct drive. Site layout and type of turbine can lead to increase in turbine speed in hydro power plant without needing a gearbox [1] [2]. If you are upgrading an old site, even adding 20–30% more rpm can cut generator cost by 20–30% hence big savings can be achieved often faster payback than civil upgrades. Table showing Turbine Type with respect to Typical Speed Range is shown below:
Appropriate selection of different power plant parameters can lead to increase in hydro turbine speed and reduce turbine inertia effects which will decrease generator cost and reducing overall cost are enumerated through following strategies: 1. Turbine Selection 2. Turbine Speed 3. Speed Operation 4. Control Systems 5. Flow Path and Head 6. Split Flow Configurations 7. Electrical and Generator Match 8. Site Conditions 9. Structural Limits 10. Cavitation 11. Economic Analysis 12. Prototype and Simulation All the above deciding factors are elaborated below:
2.1 Turbine Selection Overall turbine design leads to major contribution of its weight. Hence modification in its design part can lower the rotor weight. This can be achieved by considering its material choice and geometrical optimization. Material choice should be switched to lighter weight and stronger materials (composites, advanced alloys). Geometry optimization to reduce unnecessary mass helps in reducing generator weight because mass at large radii greatly increases inertia. Hollow designs Instead of a solid shaft or blades, use hollow structures where possible. Optimize
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 826