The Pelton wheel is a type of water turbine that was designed by Lester Pelton in the late 1800s. The spelling of the word "Pelton" is straightforward: it is spelled exactly as it sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈpɛltən/. The "p" and "l" sounds are pronounced as they would be in the English alphabet. The "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "pet", and the "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "toe". The "n" at the end is pronounced as a soft "n" sound.
A Pelton wheel is a type of water turbine that is primarily used for generating electricity from the energy of flowing or falling water. It is named after its inventor, Lester Allan Pelton, and is extensively utilized in hydroelectric power plants around the world.
The Pelton wheel consists of a set of specially designed cups or buckets that are evenly spaced around a circular disc, known as the runner. The runner is mounted on a horizontal shaft, and water is directed onto the cups at high speeds through a nozzle. As the water strikes the cups, it changes direction and is deflected tangentially, imparting a significant momentum to the cup. The high-speed flow of water causes the runner to rotate, converting the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy.
The key advantage of the Pelton wheel lies in its ability to efficiently harness the energy of high head, low flow rate water sources, such as mountain streams or waterfalls. It operates effectively in conditions where the pressure of water is high, and the flow rate is relatively low. Additionally, the Pelton wheel can operate over a wide range of hydraulic conditions, making it a versatile choice for electricity generation.
Due to its impeccable design, the Pelton wheel has become one of the most widely used and reliable turbines for hydroelectric power generation. Its efficiency, durability, and ability to produce high power outputs have made it an essential component of modern hydroelectric systems.
The word "Pelton wheel" derives its name from its inventor, Lester Allan Pelton. Pelton was an American engineer who created the Pelton wheel in the 1870s. The wheel is a type of impulse turbine used for hydropower generation. It uses the energy of moving water to rotate its buckets or blades, which then produce mechanical power. The Pelton wheel revolutionized hydropower technology by increasing efficiency and was widely adopted in hydroelectric power plants around the world. Therefore, the term "Pelton wheel" honors its creator, Lester Allan Pelton.