The Francis Turbine

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This simulation is an educational web-based 3D resource for learning about francis turbines. The following are the main controls.

Left Mouse: Rotate
Right Mouse: Pan
Middle Mouse: Zoom
Speed: Control the flow rate

This model was created by Zach Sumners of the University of Calgary Energy Education research team. To learn more about this team and their research, please visit the Energy Education website.

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A Francis turbine is a type of reaction turbine used most frequently in medium- or large-scale hydroelectric plants. These turbines can be used for heads as low as 2 meters and as high as 300 meters. Additionally, these turbines are beneficial as they work equally well when positioned horizontally as they do when they are oriented vertically. Water enters these turbines radially meaning that it enters the turbine perpendicular to the rotational axis. Once entering the turbine, the water always flows inwards, towards the center. Once the water has flown through the turbine, it exits axially - parallel to the rotational axis.