Tubular Turbine

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A water turbine with horizontal shaft for hydropower stations with extremely low heads and extremely high flow rates

Water head: 2-25m
Power output: 100kW to 8000kW
Flow rate: 2-100m³/s

Tubular turbines, also known as horizontal-axis turbines, are a type of water turbine where the water flows mainly along the horizontal axial direction within the flow passage without turning. This axial flow characteristic allows for a larger runner diameter and improves both the turbine’s water flow capacity and hydraulic efficiency. The key characteristics of tubular turbines are the following:

The runner diameter is relatively large (from 0.8m to 5m)
Suitable for heads ranging from 2m to 25m
Suitable for low-head, high-flow hydropower conditions.

Tubular turbines are perfectly applied in tidal power stations, where their unique ability to operate in both flow directions makes them suitable for the comprehensive utilization of low-head hydraulic resources.

Due to their high efficiency, low investment costs, rapid development, and increasing power output, tubular turbines are favored for hydropower generation.

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Hechi Tianhe Hydropower Station

Scope of supply: 3 axial-flow turbine-generator units

Basic parameters:

Water head: 8m
Flow rate: 50m³/s
Power: 3000KW (3 units × 1000KW each)

Was successfully installed and commissioned in May 2013

Pakistan

Supply scope: 2 sets of axial-flow turbine-generator units

Basic parameters:

Water head: 6m
Flow rate: 25m³/s
Power: 500KW (2 units × 250KW each)

Was successfully exported to Pakistan in August 2023

Shaoguan Power Plant

Supply scope: 3 sets of axial-flow turbine-generator units

Basic parameters:

Water head: 10m
Flow rate: 18m³/s
Power: 1500KW (3 units × 500KW each)

Was successfully installed and commissioned in March 2013

South Africa

Supply scope: 2 sets of axial-flow turbine-generator units

Basic parameters:

Water head: 7m
Flow rate: 10m³/s
Power: 400KW (2 units × 200KW each)

Was successfully exported to South Africa in September 2021

Shaoguan Ruyuan Luoyang Hydropower Station

Supply scope: 4 sets of axial-flow turbine-generator units

Basic parameters:

Water head: 11m
Flow rate: 30m³/s
Power: 2000KW (4 units × 500KW each)

Was successfully installed and commissioned in July 2018

How Does a Tubular Turbine Work?

The tubular turbine is a type of axial-flow turbine specifically developed for low-head hydropower applications. It is typically arranged with a horizontal shaft and does not use a spiral casing. Instead, water is directly conveyed to the turbine runner through a penstock. The flowing water drives the blades connected to the generator shaft. Thanks to the continuous flow of water, the blades keep turning, causing the generator to rotate. This process converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of tubular turbines?

Tubular turbines are well suited for very low head and very high flow rates, offering large flow capacity, high specific efficiency, and the advantage of requiring no excavation.

Structurally, tubular turbines can be classified into:

Spherical
Pit-type
Siphon-type
“S” type

What hydraulic conditions make rivers suitable for tubular turbines?

Tubular turbines are generally suitable for rivers with high flow rate, low heads ranging from 4 to 25 meters. Additionally, tubular turbines offer construction advantages such as simplified installation, reduced concrete use, and faster assembly.

What is the designed service life of a tubular turbine?

The tubular turbine casing is fabricated from conventional steel, while the blades are made of stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and a service life of over 30 years. The generator housing is made of steel and contains coils and magnetic poles internally.

Which type of turbine is best suited for tidal power and hydraulic power?

Tubular turbines are the optimal choice for developing low-head, high-flow tidal and hydraulic energy. It features large flow capacity, high efficiency, and minimal excavation requirements.

What after-sale services do you offer?

After placing an order for our turbine units, we will provide you with a complete set of installation drawings. If needed, we will also assist and guide you through the installation process.

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