HYDRAULIC MACHINES

INTRODUCTION TO HYDRAULIC MACHINES

Hydraulic machines are the devices that convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy or mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. Hydraulic turbines are the basic prime movers which convert the hydraulic energy (in the form of pressure/kinetic energy) into mechanical energy. Pressure energy is developed due to head of water in the form of potential energy and kinetic energy is developed due to mass flow of water with some velocity. The shaft of hydraulic turbine rotates due to impact/reaction force of water on hydraulic blades; the shaft of the turbine is coupled with generator which produces electrical energy. Pump converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy (pressure energy).