Francis Turbine

The Francis turbine is a type of water turbine that was developed by James B. Francis in Lowell, Massachusetts. It is an inward-flow reaction turbine that combines radial and axial flow concepts.

Francis turbines are the most common water turbine in use today. They operate in a head range of 10 to 650 meters (33 to 2,133 feet) and are primarily used for electrical power production. The power output generally ranges from 10 to 750 megawatts, though mini-hydro installations may be lower. Runner diameters are between 1 and 10 meters (3 and 33 feet). The speed range of the turbine is from 83 to 1000 rpm. Turbines are almost always mounted with the shaft vertical to keep water away from the generator and also to facilitate access to it.