Performance Analysis of 3D Printed Pelton Wheel Turbine at Various Pressure Heads

The increased usage of 3D printers, has made it possible to fabricate a complex shape without compromising the structural integrity of the component. However, the application of this technology to replace existing design, especially in the area of fluid mechanics, is still a challenge. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of the 3D printed Pelton turbine wheel at various pressure head as compared to the traditionally fabricated Pelton turbine. The design, fabrication and testing of the turbine blade were performed at University of South Africa, with the aim of replacing the existing turbine wheel. The tests were carried out at 0.5 kPa, 1 kPa and 1.5 kPa pressure heads. The results shows that the efficiency Pelton wheel turbine of metal and draft material are above 50 % and those of clear is below 50 %. The speed of the system increase as the pressure increase for metal and draft, however, for the turbine wheel of clear material it increases and decreases.