How to Choose Between a Pelton Turbine Generator and a Turgo Turbine Generator?
Both Pelton and Turgo turbines are impulse turbines, meaning they extract energy from the kinetic energy of high-speed water jets rather than pressure. However, they differ in design, operating range, and typical applications.
1. Working Principle
Both use free water jets striking turbine buckets/blades.
Operate at atmospheric pressure.
Best suited for high-head applications.
No draft tube required.
The key differences lie in runner design, flow handling, and efficiency range.
2. Runner & Bucket Design
Pelton Turbine
Uses double-cupped buckets with a central splitter.
Water jet hits the bucket and is split into two streams.
Jet direction changes nearly 180°, extracting maximum momentum.
Water exits on the same side it enters.
Turgo Turbine
Uses spoon-shaped blades (shallower than Pelton buckets).
Jet strikes the runner at an angle (about 20°–30°).
Water passes through the runner, exiting on the opposite side.
Allows higher flow rates for the same runner size.
Result: Turgo turbines can handle more water with a smaller runner.
3. Head and Flow Range
| Parameter | Pelton Turbine | Turgo Turbine |
| Head range | High head | Medium to high head |
| Flow rate | Low flow | Medium flow |
| Typical head | 80–1000 m | 50–300 m |
| Best for | Very high head, small flow | Moderate head, higher flow |
4. Efficiency
Pelton Turbine
Peak efficiency: 90–95%
Very high efficiency at design conditions
Efficiency drops faster at part load
Turgo Turbine
Peak efficiency: 85–92%
Slightly lower peak efficiency than Pelton
Better part-load performance in many cases
Result: Pelton wins on peak efficiency; Turgo wins on operating flexibility.
5. Size, Speed, and Cost
Pelton Turbine
Larger runner for same power
Lower rotational speed
More complex bucket shape → higher cost
Turgo Turbine
Smaller runner for same power
Higher rotational speed
Simpler blade design → lower cost
Turgo turbines are often more compact and economical for small/micro hydro projects.
6. Installation and Maintenance
| Aspect | Pelton Turbine | Turgo Turbine |
| Installation | Larger footprint | More compact |
| Nozzle control | One or multiple jets | Usually single jet |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Debris tolerance | Moderate | Slightly better |
7. Typical Applications
Pelton Turbine
✔ High-mountain hydropower
✔ Very high head (>300 m)
✔ Low flow streams
✔ Medium to large hydro plants
Turgo Turbine
✔ Small & micro hydropower
✔ Medium-high head sites
✔ Rural electrification
✔ Farms, villas, off-grid systems
✔ Projects needing compact design
8. Summary Table
| Feature | Pelton Turbine Generator | Turgo Turbine Generator |
| Turbine type | Impulse | Impulse |
| Head | Very high | Medium–high |
| Flow | Low | Medium |
| Efficiency | Higher peak | Slightly lower peak |
| Runner size | Larger | Smaller |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best use | Large head, low flow | Compact, flexible systems |
Post time: Jan-05-2026
