generator unit

Device with a turbine that transmits the water’s mechanical energy to the generator’s rotor to make it turn to produce electricity.

bottom ring

Circular part under the wicket gates that holds them in place.

generator

Machine that consists of a rotor and a stator; it produces an electric current.

runner blade

Stationary curved plate on the turbine’s runner; it receives the thrust of the water to turn the runner.

runner

Movable part of the turbine that transmits the movement of the water to the shaft to which it is attached to turn the rotor.

draft tube

Conduit at the base of the turbine that increases the runner’s output by reducing the pressure of the water as it exits.

draft tube liner

Covering that is usually made of steel; it protects the draft tube from erosion.

spiral case

Duct shaped like a spiral staircase that is used to distribute water uniformly around the turbine to make it turn smoothly.

turbine headcover

Structure that covers the upper part of the turbine’s runner.

stator

Stationary part of the generator that consists of a coil of copper conductors, which collects the electric current produced by the rotor.

gate operating ring

Movable device that controls the opening and closing of the wicket gates.

thrust bearing

Unit that bears the thrust of the turbine and the weight of the rotating parts of the generator unit.

exciter

Device that supplies electric current to the rotor’s electromagnets.

rotor

Movable part of the generator that is made up of electromagnets; its rotation induces an electric current in the stator.

stay vane blade

Fixed panel that receives pressurized water from the spiral case and directs it over the wicket gates.

wicket gate

Movable panel that regulates the flow of water entering the turbine to ensure a constant rotational speed of the runner.

stay ring

Set of two rings linked together by the stay vanes.

shaft

Cylindrical part that communicates the movement of the turbine’s runner to the generator’s rotor.

hydraulic turbine

Machine whose runner is powered by water; it transmits mechanical energy to the rotor to make it turn.