Learn about the comparison between reaction and impulse turbines.
Comparison # Reaction Turbine:
1. Only a part of the available total head is converted into kinetic head after the water enters the wheel.
2. The velocity and pressure change as the water flows through the wheel.
3. The wheel is always full of water. Water flows into the wheel throughout its circumference.
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4. All the vanes are in action.
5. This turbine is placed submerged below the tail race.
6. Flow regulation is always accompanied by loss of energy.
7. Work done is due to change in pressure and velocity.
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8. Relative velocity changes considerably due to centrifugal action.
9. Turbine components are not easily accessible. Repairs of components are difficult.
10. These turbines are large in size and run at relatively low speeds.
11. These are suitable for relatively low heads.
Comparison # Impulse Turbine:
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1. The available total head is converted into kinetic head before the water strikes the wheel.
2. The water jet is throughout open to the atmosphere.
3. Air has free access between the vanes and the wheel does not run full of water.
4. Only the vanes in front of the nozzle are in action.
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5. This turbine is placed above the tail race.
6. Flow can be regulated without loss.
7. Work done is entirely due to change in velocity.
8. Relative velocity changes only slightly. Such change in velocity is due to friction only.
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9. Turbine components are easily accessible and repairs of components are easy.
10. These are comparatively small in size and run at high speeds.
11. These are suitable for high heads.