Low Head Impulse Turbine

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In an impulse turbine, the water jet's velocity is increased by a nozzle, converting its pressure energy to kinetic energy. The high-velocity jet then strikes the curved blades of the turbine, changing direction and causing a force due to the change in momentum (impulse). As the blades spin, work is done through the distance over which the force acts, reducing the water's kinetic energy. Impulse turbines operate without pressure changes on their blades, eliminating the need for housing. They are often utilized in high head applications (over 300m/984ft). Newton's second law governs the energy transfer process in these turbines.