Classification of the Turbines

Water turbines may be classified in different ways. One way of classification is according to the method of functioning (impulse or reaction turbine); another way is according to the design (shaft arrangement and feed of water). Water turbines may operate as turbines, as pump turbines or as a combination of both. They may be of the single regulated or double regulated type. Turbines may also be classified according to their specific speed.

Illustration 1 demonstrates how the right turbine can be determined for a certain discharge and head.

Illustration 1: Functional range of different water turbines