Description

A self contained, small-scale propeller turbine unit. This fixed blade, axial flow turbine may be considered as the prototype form of a propeller turbine, itself a forerunner of the Kaplan turbine.

The FM63 consists of a framework base which houses a large water reservoir and a circulating pump.

A stainless steel top supports the turbine itself and a dynamometer assembly. The propeller itself is housed in a clear acrylic pipe to enable maximum visibility of the workings.

The unit incorporates a paddle wheel type flow meter and a pressure sensor to measure the inlet condition of the water.

The dynamometer module incorporates a magnetic type brake which applies load to the turbine. The level of braking is controlled directly from the software.

A load cell measures the braking force, hence the power and an optical sensor measures the rotational speed of the turbine.

Demonstration Capabilities

• Determining the characteristics of the propeller turbine, including the relationships of:
  – volume flow rate
  – head
  – torque produced
  – power output
  – efficiency to rotational speed