Segment V12.4: Pelton Wheel Lawn Sprinkler

(Related to Textbook Section 12.8.1 - Impulse Turbine)

A Pelton wheel is a simple type of impulse turbine which uses a jet (or jets) of water that is deflected by a series of buckets attached to the wheel.

The deflection causes a change in angular momentum of the fluid about the axis of rotation, resulting in a torque on the turbine wheel. The power output equals the torque times the angular velocity. Power generated by a small Pelton wheel in the sprinkler is used to drive the oscillating arm on the sprinkler. By using an appropriate set of gears and a cam, the desired oscillating motion is obtained.