Pelton turbines
Supreme-quality impulse turbines engineered for extremely high heads and highly flexible discharge.
Pelton turbines are impulse machines designed to transform the potential energy of water into kinetic energy via high-velocity water jets that impact and drive the runner buckets.
Built for use at very high heads and relatively low discharges, Litostroj Pelton turbines are highly reliable machines that offer exceptional operational flexibility. With over 80 Pelton turbines supplied or upgraded, delivering a combined output of 2.8 GW, our engineering legacy ensures maximum energy conversion for your high-head powerhouse.
Operational parameters
Explore our Pelton architectures
Vertical Pelton turbines
The vertical shaft alignment is generally utilized for high-capacity units and allows for a larger number of jets to drive the runner.
Technical parameters
Nozzle arrangement: Supplied in a three- to six-nozzle configuration.
Power output: Designed for outputs up to 350 MW
Core specific features
High-capacity alternative
With up to six jet nozzles, vertical Pelton turbines are capable of delivering very high unit outputs at extreme heads, making them an ideal solution for applications where Francis turbines reach their hydraulic, mechanical, or manufacturing limits.
Penstock-friendly operation
The combination of jet deflectors and needle control enables rapid load rejection while minimizing hydraulic transients in the waterway. This makes Pelton turbines particularly suitable for installations with long penstocks and high hydraulic inertia.
Horizontal Pelton turbines
Horizontal-shaft configurations are well suited for small and medium-sized hydropower plants, providing a compact powerhouse arrangement, easy access to equipment, and cost-effective installation and maintenance.
Technical parameters
Nozzle Arrangement: Supplied with one to five nozzles per runner.
Configurations: Can be designed in single-runner or twin-runner configurations, with both runners mounted on a common horizontal shaft.
Core specific features
Compact and accessible layout
Horizontal-shaft configurations provide a compact powerhouse arrangement with excellent access to key components, simplifying installation, inspection, and maintenance activities throughout the unit lifecycle.
Configuration flexibility
Due to their streamlined physical footprint and reduced civil engineering requirements, horizontal Francis units are highly competitive in price.
References
Our Pelton turbines on the grid
Core features
Pelton turbine advantage
Pelton turbines combine exceptional high-head capability, outstanding part-load efficiency, and precise flow control. Their impulse operating principle enables efficient energy conversion under demanding hydraulic conditions, while advanced hydraulic optimization maximizes energy production and provides the operational flexibility required for modern hydropower plants.
Mastering extreme heads
Designed for heads up to 1,500 meters, our Pelton units convert immense water pressure into reliable power. We combine proven hydraulic design with decades of high-head engineering expertise.
Outstanding partial load efficiency
Independent nozzle control enables efficient operation across a broad load range, maintaining high efficiency and maximizing energy production under varying flow conditions and seasonal water availability.
Advanced HVOF surface protection
For applications with abrasive water containing sand, silt, or other suspended particles, HVOF (High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel) coatings can be applied to critical components. This advanced surface protection enhances erosion resistance, extends component lifetime, and helps reduce maintenance requirements.
Ready to build your next powerhouse?
Whether you are planning a greenfield installation or need to uprate a century-old turbine, our engineering teams are ready to architect your solution.