Experimental investigation of axial-flow turbine performance using water and oil: effects of rotation speed, blade count, and oil pre-heating

Mays Subhi Sadeq, Muna S. Kassim

Abstract


This experimental research looks at the hydraulic performance and efficiency of axial-flow turbines under a range of operating situations, with an emphasis on comparing the impacts of water and oil as working fluids. Experiments were done with turbines that had 3, 4, and 5 blades at both low (100 rpm) and high (2000 rpm) speeds. We also looked at how oil pre-heating affects things by changing the oil temperature up to 98°C. The results reveal that oil improves the amount of mechanical power and head generated, especially at higher speeds and blade counts. However, it also increases the pressure drop since it is thicker. Pre-heating oil makes things work much better, and the 5-blade turbine design may get up to 37% better under the best circumstances. Moderate flow rates and higher oil temperatures provide the best hydraulic efficiency, which shows how important the qualities of the working fluid and the operating conditions are for turbine performance. These results provide useful advice on how to get the most performance out of turbines used in industrial energy recovery.


Received: 06 July 2025

Accepted: 11 August 2025

Published: 02 September 2025


Keywords


Axial-flow turbine; experimental study; hydraulic efficiency; blade count; oil pre-heating; mechanical power; pressure drop; water-oil comparison; industrial application.

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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.2.1445

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mays Subhi Sadeq, Muna S. Kassim

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

E-ISSN: 2356-8569

P-ISSN: 2356-8518

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

resd@aast.edu