A hydro turbine converts the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy. The hydro turbine market includes turbines for conventional hydroelectric plants (run-of-river, reservoir) and for pumped storage plants (which require reversible pump-turbines). The hydro turbine market for "Francis" turbines is the most common, used for medium head (10-300 meters). The hydro turbine market for "Pelton" turbines are used for very high head (over 300 meters). The hydro turbine market for "Kaplan" turbines are used for low head (under 30 meters). The hydro turbine market for "pump-turbines" (reversible) are used in pumped storage.
The broader pumped hydroelectric storage turbines market is a subset. The hydro turbine market for "bulb" turbines (for very low head) are used in tidal power. The hydro turbine market for "tube" turbines are also used for low head. The hydro turbine market for "cross-flow" turbines are for small hydro. The hydro turbine market for "impulse" turbines (Pelton, Turgo) are for high head.
The hydro turbine market for "efficiency" of modern turbines exceeds 90%. The hydro turbine market for "runaway" speed (maximum speed under no load) is a design consideration. The hydro turbine market for "cavitation" (formation of bubbles) can damage blades. The hydro turbine market for "materials" (stainless steel, bronze) resist corrosion.
The hydro turbine market for "manufacturers" include Voith, Andritz, GE, Siemens, Toshiba, and others. The hydro turbine market for "large" turbines are custom-designed for each site. The hydro turbine market for "small" turbines are more standardized.
The hydro turbine market for "repair" and "rehabilitation" (upgrading old turbines) is a significant aftermarket. The hydro turbine market for "digital" monitoring (vibration, temperature) is standard.
Looking ahead, the hydro turbine market will see the development of "fish-friendly" turbines (with wider blade gaps) to reduce mortality. The hydro turbine market for "additive" manufacturing (3D printing) for small turbine components. The hydro turbine market for "superconducting" generators for higher efficiency.
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