Horizontal Francis turbine
With about 60% of the global hydropower capacity in the world, Francis turbines are the most widely used type of hydro turbine. Forwardhydro has continuously invested in R&D to increase turbine efficiency and developed specific product enhancements to improve machine performance.
Forwardhydro has successfully completed numerous installations of Francis turbines with outputs up to 50 MW
Technical parameters:
| Output |
From 50 kW up to 50 MW |
| Water head |
10 m- 300 m |
| Runner diameter |
35 cm - 600 cm |
| Spiral case |
Welded structure |
| Shaft arrangement |
Vertical or horizontal |
| Efficiency |
89-95% |
High efficiency runner
Designed with 3D model and optimized by CFD and FEA calculations. Welded construction, runner blades made of INOX ocr13Ni5Mo. Not witnessed tests including dynamic balance and non-destructive inspection
Distributor
The distributor and movable wicket-gate controls water flow towards runner. The mechanism that connects the wicket gates to an operation ring consistes of several parts. The parts are typically made from structure carbon steel.
Wicket gates
Wicket gates control the amount of water flow to the turbine runner. They consist of a hydraulically optimized profile and upper stem and bearing seat. The blade is made from casted carbon steel. The closing edge and front face clearance are checked to limit the leakage.
Metal spiral casing
The spiral casing diverts the water flow into the turbine and distributes the water flow evenly around the runner. It is welded in several structural carbon steel setments. Regular tests including pressure testing and non-destructive inspection.
Main shaft
The turbine shaft is made of steel C45E to EN1025-2 and heat treated to relieve the stresses due to manufacturing. The shaft is entirely machined and appropriately finished at the bearing location. For the speed recognition a perforated disc with speed sensor is fixed on the shaft.
Turbine bearing and seat
The guide bearing consists of a group of sleeve bearing which made from Babbitt-alloy for low-maintenance grease lubrication, including grease conduits which are featuring good accessibility and temperature sensors. The axial bearing is integrated in the generator.
Water to wire package
You only provide the powerhouse; we take care of the entire inner workings. Forward Hydro designs, plans, manufactures and produces under one roof everything you need to transform the power of water at the location of your choice into clean electricity; for your usage or for feeding it into the power grid. Investing in a sustainable future could hardly be easier.
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