Kaplan turbines

Kaplan turbines are reaction turbines designed for low-head plants with relatively high flow rates. Their adjustable propeller geometry makes them the best choice when the site’s flow varies throughout the year and you want to maintain high efficiency across the entire operating range.

At Servoship we design and manufacture each Kaplan turbine tailored to the site, with power outputs of up to 3,000 kW and heads of between 2 and 20 metres. We build them with a horizontal, inclined or vertical shaft depending on the plant’s conditions and the existing civil works.

The performance key of a Kaplan turbine lies in its regulation:

• KAPLAN (double regulation): combined regulation of runner and guide vanes. It makes the most of low flows and maintains optimal efficiency when the flow deviates from the nominal value.
• SEMIKAPLAN (single regulation): regulation of the runner only. A more economical solution for sites with a more stable flow.

Both configurations accommodate significant variations in flow and nominal net head without appreciably penalising efficiency, which at the optimal point sits at around 90%.

Parameter	Servoship Kaplan turbine
Type	Reaction
Head	2 – 20 m (low head)
Flow rate	High / variable
Power output	Up to 3,000 kW
Efficiency (optimal point)	~90%
Shaft configuration	Horizontal, inclined or vertical
Regulation	Double (KAPLAN) or single (SEMIKAPLAN)

• Manufacturer, not intermediary: we design and manufacture the complete machine, so we guarantee spare parts and support throughout its entire service life.
• Custom design for the head, flow and civil works of each plant.
• In-house after-sales service and spare parts supply, also for older equipment manufactured under the Eimar brand.