| The increasing need for more power during the early years of the twentieth century led to the invention of the Kaplan turbine, which is suitable for small heads of water, i.e. 3 m to 9 m, in river locations where dams could be built. The idea is based on a propeller, which acts like a ship propeller, but in reverse. The design has been improved by means of swivelling blades that improve the efficiency of the turbine in accordance with the prevailing conditions (i.e. the available flow rate and head). As with the Pelton and Kaplan turbines, Brüel & Kjær Vibro offers condition and performance monitoring solutions for a number of the critical components. | | |
