Calibrating the Performance of Pelton Turbine by Using Helical Penstock

This paper presents a study on the comparative analysis of the penstock used in the micro-hydropower plants with the aim of inventing a new design of penstock with the efficiency benefits in the future. The Pelton wheel is designed for 0.000143 m3/s flow rate with a diameter of penstock 0.75 in., and detailed study is done on the benefits of the new penstock which is helical in shape, so the helical penstock can also be considered as a replacement of the old conventional penstock which is straight and its design strategies are discussed. It was found that the helical penstock was approximately 22–23% more efficient in the voltage generation with the additional benefits such as saving in the material cost, less land acquisition, and less wear and tear of the penstock line due to cavitation. This is thus more economical, more viable as it produces more with the same input of water, and thus helps in generating more power.