The specific speed {displaystyle eta _{s}} eta _{s} parameter is independent of a particular turbine's size.
Compared to other turbine designs, the relatively low specific speed of the Pelton wheel, implies that the geometry is inherently a "low gear" design. Thus it is most suitable to being fed by a hydro source with a low ratio of flow to pressure, (meaning relatively low flow and/or relatively high pressure).
The specific speed is the main criterion for matching a specific hydro-electric site with the optimal turbine type. It also allows a new turbine design to be scaled from an existing design of known performance.
{displaystyle eta _{s}=n{sqrt {P}}/{sqrt {
ho }}(gH)^{5/4}} {displaystyle eta _{s}=n{sqrt {P}}/{sqrt {
ho }}(gH)^{5/4}} (dimensioned parameter), [1]
where:
{displaystyle n} n = Frequency of rotation (rpm)
{displaystyle P} P = Power (W)
{displaystyle H} H = Water head (m)
{displaystyle
ho }
ho = Density (kg/m3)
The formula implies that the Pelton turbine is geared most suitably for applications with relatively high hydraulic head H, due to the 5/4 exponent being greater than unity, and given the characteristically low specific speed of the Pelton.[2]