200 kW Low-Head Kaplan Hydro Generator Set

Overview

How it works

A Kaplan turbine is an axial flow machine whose runner blades can change their pitch. When the flow in the river rises or falls, the blades adjust so the turbine keeps good efficiency over a wide operating range. That makes it a strong choice for low-head sites where flow changes through the year.

Our 200 kW set

The set is intended for a head of about 10 m and an output of 200 kW. The turbine drives a generator, and a governor and control equipment look after start-up, speed regulation and shutdown. The remaining details, including flow, speed, generator voltage and frequency, are set from your site data.

Where it is used

Kaplan units are used on river barrages, at dam outlets and on irrigation canals, where a large flow drops through a small height. They are also used to recover energy from water that would otherwise be released without generating power.

Choosing a configuration

The main choices are a vertical, inclined or horizontal arrangement, fixed or adjustable blades depending on how much the flow varies, voltage and frequency, and the governor and control cabinet scope. The net head and the flow duration curve (or at least minimum and maximum flow) make sure the rated output matches what the site can deliver.

Installation and site

The equipment is built and tested in our factory and packed for shipment in containers. A drawing package for foundations, water passages and installation is provided. The quotation lists every item in the supply scope, and our engineers can help with installation and commissioning.

What the Kaplan adds at 10 m head

At around 10 m head and 200 kW, the Kaplan turbine is the machine that holds its efficiency when flow changes. The runner blades tilt along with the guide vanes, so a river that carries half its design flow still gives good output. That makes it a good fit for run-of-river sites with strong seasonal variation.

Compared with the 200 kW Francis set, which is built for higher head, the Kaplan handles much more water for the same power; the draft tube and civil works are bigger. Compared with the 100 kW axial flow set, it has adjustable blades and a higher head range, so it can earn more energy in the same river. Compared with the 500 kW tubular set, it is a smaller machine with a more conventional vertical or inclined layout. The trade-off is complexity: the blade mechanism needs oil and periodic inspection. If flow is steady, a fixed-blade runner is easier to maintain. Plan the intake and draft tube first; they decide the civil budget.