Editing Pelton wheel (section)

== Applications ==
[[File:Walchenseewerk Pelton 120.jpg|thumb|left|Assembly of a Pelton wheel at [[Walchensee Hydroelectric Power Station]], Germany.]]
[[File:Pelton-wheel.jpg|thumb|right|Bucket detail on a small turbine.]]
Pelton wheels are the preferred turbine for hydro-power where the available water source has relatively high [[hydraulic head]] at low flow rates. Pelton wheels are made in all sizes. There exist multi-ton Pelton wheels mounted on vertical oil pad [[bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] in [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric plants]].  The largest units – the [[Bieudron Hydroelectric Power Station]] at the [[Grande Dixence Dam]] complex in Switzerland – are over 400 [[watt|megawatts]].<ref name=GD>{{Cite web |title=Renewable Energy in the Heart of the Alps |author= |work=Grande Dixence |date= |access-date=13 August 2021 |url= http://www.grande-dixence.ch/en#bieudron |language= |quote=}}</ref>

The smallest Pelton wheels are only a few inches across, and can be used to tap power from mountain streams having flows of a few gallons per minute.  Some of these systems use household [[plumbing]] fixtures for water delivery.  These small units are recommended for use with {{convert|30|m|ft|-1}} or more of head, in order to generate significant power levels. Depending on water flow and design, Pelton wheels operate best with heads from {{convert|15|-|1800|m|-1}}, although there is no theoretical limit.{{fact|date=October 2024}} Such "peltric sets", consisting of a Pelton wheel, an induction generator and a control mechanism, are used in Nepal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mini/Micro Hydro |url=https://www.aepc.gov.np/pages/minimicro-hydro |website=www.aepc.gov.np |access-date=24 October 2024}}</ref>