Combined use of Francis and Pelton units for cases of highly variable flow volumes

Research and development work has recently been carried out in Austria to explore the advantages of combining the use of Francis and Pelton turbines within one powerhouse, for cases where the flow volumes are highly variable. It is proposed that the machines can be operated either jointly or one at a time, to optimize the use of the available water at any time. This could offer particular advantages in the case of mountain streams. Prototype installations are in oepration in Austria and Romania.