Unique turbine from BUT

Scientists from the Victor Kaplan’s Department of Hydraulic Machines BUT became authors of a unique turbine. The team lead by prof. František Pochylý managed to develop a two-stage swirl turbine in cascade arrangement that can be used at flows with water drop up to 6 meters. Machine was recently officially presented at the international conference in London.

Turbine, which is a result of cooperation between BUT and ČEZ company, can help to use yet unused hydro energetic potential and thus increase the energy production share from renewable sources.

The team of prof. Pochylý developed the first swirl turbine in 2000. Based on Kaplan’s turbine it was simplified, could operate without switchboard providing rotation, had higher speed and its design in many cases did not require a gear unit. This initial concept was designed for flows with lower water drop.

Compared with traditional turbines the actual one from BUT provides lower investments costs and higher operational reliability at the same efficiency level.