STOCHASTIC ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF PELTON WHEEL TEST RIG KEEPING SPEED CONSTANT

Pranav Kulkarni, Vaibhavi Naik, Neena Panandikar

Abstract: Hydraulic Turbines are being used since the ancient times to harness the energy stored in flowing streams, rivers and lakes. The oldest and the simplest form of a hydraulic turbine was the waterwheel used for grinding grains. The basic idea of a Pelton Wheel Turbine is derived from this ancient waterwheel. Pelton wheel is the only hydraulic turbine of the impulse type in common use. It is named after the American engineer Laster A. Pelton, who contributed much to its development around the year 1880. Therefore, this machine is known as Pelton Turbine or Pelton Wheel. Pelton Wheels are the preferred turbine for hydro-power when the available water source has relatively high hydraulic head at low flow rates. In the present study, a complete analysis of the Pelton Wheel Test Rig with brake drum loading made available on college campus is carried out. The major input and output parameters along with their working ranges are identified. Stochastic analysis using Monte Carlo’s simulation is carried out by randomly generating a design matrix and thus calculating the responses using predetermined equations. Response Surface Methodology is adapted to identify the optimal set of inputs and also generate inputoutput relations. Furthermore, a design matrix is generated by taking practical readings on the Test Rig keeping speed constant and the respective outputs are calculated. Similar to the stochastic study, Response Surface Methodology is adapted by inputting the design matrix in a design expert software. Input-output relations are generated and also the optimal set of input parameters are determined using this software.

Keywords: Stochastic analysis, Monte Carlo’s simulation, Response Surface Methodology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0525026