Tesla Hydro Turbine

[clivejo]

I was just surfing about on Youtube and came across the following ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kWQIOpx2vE )

Has anyone experimented with a Tesla turbine based hydro project?  Seems a very simple and elegant design, which I imagine would be efficient and virtually maintenance free.

[Heinz]

I looked into this a few years ago, gathered a heap of design info and a book which should be on this shelf but isn't? In the end I decided that I had enough to cope with getting a hydro system off the ground, without all the uncertainties of a Tesla turbine as well. It is a very elegant design which really appeals to me and I might build one in my second lifetime. I'd love to have a go at a gas/petrol powered one just to see if his valvular conduits work.....

Heinz

[Ivan]

I think tesla turbines are relatively inefficient, aren't they? They're a bit like torque converters I think.

[clivejo]

I think tesla turbines are relatively inefficient, aren't they? They're a bit like torque converters I think.

Apparently not, in fact they might be more efficient if designed correctly.  The disc separation and number of discs must be right to match the flow of water is the key by what Ive read.