Francis turbines used in pumped hydroelectric systems typically achieve high efficiencies, often exceeding 90%. More specifically:
- Francis turbines can achieve efficiencies of over 95% under optimal conditions, making them the most common and efficient turbines used in hydroelectric power plants, including pumped-storage systems.
- Experimental studies show that at partial load conditions (around 70% to 80% load), efficiencies remain high, around 92% to 93.1%, reflecting the turbine’s ability to maintain good performance across a range of operating conditions.
- Their design, which utilizes both the pressure and kinetic energy of water through an inward radial and axial flow, allows them to operate efficiently in medium to high head conditions typical of pumped hydroelectric plants.
Thus, the typical operational efficiency range for Francis turbines in pumped hydroelectric systems is about 90% to over 95%, depending on the load and site-specific conditions. This high efficiency is a key reason why Francis turbines are widely favored in pumped storage hydropower projects.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-typical-efficiencies-of-francis-turbines-used-in-pumped-hydroelectric-systems/
