Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A reaction turbine capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a reversible ultra low head pressure and/or high velocity fluid flow is disclosed. The turbine comprises a working wheel with a plurality of airfoil-shaped blades mounted transversely to the direction of fluid flow for rotation in a plane parallel to the fluid flow. The blades are arranged in a helical configuration, a modification of a delta turbine, which ensures that a portion of the blades are always positioned perpendicular to the fluid pressure, thereby creating maximum thrust to spin the turbine and ensuring a continuous speed of rotation with no accelerations and decelerations. The skewed leading edges further reduce resistance to the turbine rotation. A channel having a rectangular cross-section may be provided to direct the fluid flow to the blades. The channel may have a curved configuration having opposed changes in elevation or bulges directed towards the center of the turbine in a plane parallel to the flow of fluid to optimize the angle of attack of the fluid on the blades. At ultra low head fluid pressures, the turbine is capable of achieving high speeds, which, for gas turbines, are the speeds at which electric generators conventionally operate. For hydro applications, the helical turbine requires minimal gearing multiplication. The turbine is suitable for use in hydro-pneumatic, hydro, wind, or wave power systems.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim