How does a Pelton turbine use a water jet to turn its runner?

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Rows of white wind turbines with spinning blades stand on a dry, grassy landscape at a wind farm near Tehachapi, California. — turbine Wind turbines near Tehachapi, California.

A Pelton turbine is a type of impulse turbine that converts the potential energy of water into kinetic energy by discharging it through a nozzle.1

The process of turning the runner works as follows:

Jet Impact: The high-velocity water jet is directed tangentially onto curved buckets located on the periphery of the runner.1
Energy Extraction: Each bucket features a high center ridge that splits the incoming water flow, directing it to exit the runner from both sides. This design effectively extracts the water energy and converts it into mechanical work.1
Efficiency: To achieve maximum efficiency, the runner's tip speed is designed to be approximately one-half the velocity of the striking water jet.1

To manage power output and maintain constant generator speeds, the flow rate is adjusted using a needle valve within the nozzle, while deflectors may be used to prevent pressure surges during rapid load changes.1