Kaplan turbine

The Kaplan turbine is a type of reaction turbine used for hydroelectric power generation, particularly effective in low-head (below approximately 24 meters) and moderate to high flow rate conditions. Named after its inventor, Victor Kaplan, this turbine features adjustable blades that can be rotated about their axis, allowing for variable pitch. This adjustability is crucial for maintaining high efficiency across a range of operating conditions, especially when water flow or head varies seasonally. Unlike fixed-blade propeller turbines, the Kaplan turbine's ability to change blade angles helps optimize performance even at partial loads, minimizing efficiency losses. The blades are typically controlled by a servomotor, often located within the generator and turbine shaft assembly, which adjusts the blade angles to match the electrical load while keeping the generator rotating at a constant speed.12