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Gilkes - Hydropower Turgo Turbine
The Turgo impulse turbine was first developed by Gilkes in 1919 and remains a widely used hydropower solution. Designed as a side-entry impulse turbine, it typically operates at twice the speed of a Pelton turbine when working under the same head. This design was patented by Eric Crewdson, Grandfather of the current Gilkes chairman, and over a century later the Turgo continues to deliver reliable performance in a range of hydropower applications.
Design and performance
The Turgo turbine is designed for efficiency and reliability on medium head applications, making it well suited to a wide range of hydropower schemes. Its design allows for higher rotational speeds than a Pelton turbine, helping to reduce the size and cost of generators and potentially removing the need for a gearbox. The Turgo also maintains high efficiency across a wide flow range, making it a practical alternative to the Francis turbine in run-of-river installations where flow can vary.
Development and engineering enhancements
Gilkes continues to refine the Turgo turbine, incorporating advances in design and materials to improve performance and longevity. Current developments include:
- Optimised Turgo runner and injector designs
- Turgo runners fully machined from single forged block, or alternatively investment cast for superior dimensional accuracy
- Integration with modern control systems
The Turgo turbine remains a key component in small to medium-scale hydropower projects, offering a balance of efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Covers the boundary between Francis and Pelton applications
- Limits over-pressure effect over the penstock
- Higher speed equals weight and cost reduction
- Maintains efficiency over a wide flow range
- Superior abrasion resistance
- Ease of operation and maintenance
- Rural electrification
- Run-of-river hydropower
- Suitable for monsoon climates where there is high sediment load
- Good alternative to the Francis where over-pressure of the penstock is a concern, or on medium heads if the flow rates are variable
- Industrial and municipal power generation projects
- Power output: up to 10MW
- Head range: 50–250m
- Configuration: horizontal - single and twin jets
- Over 1000 installations worldwide
- Installations in 65 countries