Victor Kaplan’s Department of Hydraulic Machines FME BUT introduced unique turbine

Scientists from Victor Kaplan´s Department of Hydraulic Machines FME BUT designed a two-stage swirl turbine in a cascade arrangement that can be used at flows with water drop up to 5 meters. This worldwide unique turbine is a result of a two and half- year research conducted by the team led by prof. František Pochylý.

The turbine 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.

The turbine is a result of cooperation of scientists from BUT and ČEZ group which has led to a joint grant financed by this company. The device was designed for a concrete location called Jezerní potok in Jeseniky which is situated near the reservoir Dlouhé Stráně.