Pelton Wheel Turbine

Model, scale 1:5, Pelton wheel turbine, with separate base and associated drawing. The model, by Peter Koch, Victor Gelpke and Paul Kagel, Germany, 1907-1917, represents an installation by Messrs. Amme, Giesecke and Konegen of Brunswick, invented by Lester Allan Pelton. Part sectioned to show Pelton wheel.

Model (scale 1:5) of Pelton wheel casing in section, centrifugal governor, actuating servo-motor nozzle regulator, on base representing floor of power house supported by moulded oak plinth. The Pelton wheel was designed by the American mining engineer Lester Pelton (1829-1908) and was often used to produce electricity in hydroelectric power stations. Water held in a reservoir above the turbine is released and enters the turbine through two nozzles. It hits hemispherical cups arranged round the circumference of a wheel, causing the wheel to turn. This model shows a Pelton wheel connected to a generator - this was a very effective arrangement, giving 80% efficiency over a wide range of loads.