Francis Turbine

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A reaction turbine (mixed flow water turbine) for hydropower stations with medium to high heads

Water head: 20-310m
Power output: 100kW to 30MW
Flow rate: 0.5-20m³/s

Francis turbines, also known as mixed-flow turbines, are suitable for medium to high head applications, typically ranging from 20m to 310m. They are widely used in modern hydropower plants due to their stable operation, compact structure, and relatively high average efficiency.

Francis turbines integrates features of both impulse and reaction turbines. This combination allows them to achieve enhanced power output and efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions. Francis turbines are also suitable for both vertical and horizontal shafts arrangement, providing flexibility in design.

Among all types of water turbines, Francis turbines generally achieve the highest efficiency.

You might also be interested in these Projects

Hydropower Plant in Laos

Scope of supply: 2 sets of Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 18m
Flow rate: 6m³/s
Power: 1000KW (2 × 500KW each)

The units were successfully commissioned in July 2015. All work, from design to installation, has been completed by our company.

Hydropower Plant in Pakistan

Scope of supply: 4 sets of Vertical Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 36m
Flow rate: 15m³/s
Power: 4000KW (4 × 1000KW each)

The units were successfully commissioned in February 2013 and have been operating steadily since then. The complete supply included turbines, hydraulic generators, valves, and switchgear.

Nampai Hydropower Plant in Laos

Scope of supply: 3 sets of Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 53m
Flow rate: 7m³/s
Power: 1000KW

The units were successfully commissioned in May 2016. The full supply included turbines, hydraulic governors, bearing housings, draft tubes, generators, and switchgear.

Hydropower Plant in Guangxi

Scope of supply: 2 sets of Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 35m
Flow rate: 3m³/s
Power: 800KW (2 × 400KW each)

The units were successfully commissioned in September 2010. We provided turbines, governors, bearing housings, draft tubes, hydraulic generators, and switchgear.

Songshan Level 1 Hydropower Plant in Guangxi

Scope of supply: 3 sets of Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 30m
Flow rate: 3m³/s
Power: 750KW (3 × 250KW each)

The units were successfully commissioned in March 2002. The complete supply included turbines, generators, flywheels, hydraulic governors, and switchgear.

Songshan Level 2 Hydropower Plant in Guangxi

Scope of supply: 3 sets of Francis turbine-generator units

Water head: 60m
Flow rate: 3m³/s
Power: 1500KW (3 × 500KW each)

The units were successfully commissioned in August 2005. The full supply included turbines, generators, flywheels, hydraulic governors, and switchgear.

Key Structural Features

Spiral case
Stay ring
Water guiding device
Head cover

Runner
Main shaft
Guide bearing
Bottom ring
Draft tube

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do you use to manufacture Francis turbines?

The casing of a Francis turbine is typically made from conventional steel. The runner blades are made of stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and ensures a long service life of over 30 years. The generator casing is also made of steel and contains internal components such as coils and magnetic poles essential for electricity generation.

What distinguishes a Francis turbine from a Kaplan turbine?

Kaplan turbines have axial water flow both at the inlet and outlet, whereas Francis turbines have mixed-flow directions. Kaplan turbines feature smaller cross-sectional flow areas and operate at lower rotational speeds, which contrasts with the operating characteristics of Francis turbines.

Is the Francis turbine an impulse turbine?

The Francis turbine integrates features of both impulse and reaction turbines. It harnesses the kinetic energy of water through both the impact of the water striking the blades and the reaction force generated as water flows over and around the blades. This combination allows the Francis turbine to achieve enhanced power output and efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions.

What hydraulic conditions make rivers suitable for Francis turbines?

Francis turbines are used in rivers with medium head, generally between 20m and 100m, and very large flow rates. They offer construction advantages such as reduced concrete usage and quick installation, which makes them the most efficient type of turbine available.

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