The Francis turbine apparatus (FR-009) is a bench top kit which investigates the operation of a Francis turbine and study the effect of the distributor guide vanes angle. The apparatus consists of a miniature Francis turbine and a braking device.
- The educational unit is considered a model of a Francis turbine that demonstrates the function of a reaction turbine.
- The experimental unit consists of rotor, distributor with adjustable guide vanes, a brake mechanism for loading the turbine and a housing with a transparent front panel.
- The educational unit also includes a manometer that indicates the water pressure at the turbine inlet.
- The unit includes spring balances that determines the turbine torque.
- The transparent cover enables the observation of the water flow, the rotor and the guide vanes during operation.
- The angle of attack and so the power of the rotor can be changed by adjusting the guide vanes.
- The experimental unit is positioned easily and securely on the work surface of the main hydraulic unit.
- The water is supplied and the flow rate measured by the main hydraulic unit.
- The water flows to the distributor through the spiral housing, the flowing water is accelerated in the distributor by the adjustable guide vanes and directed onto the blades.
- The redirection and further acceleration of the water in the rotor generates an impulse which is transmitted to the rotor.