·         The Francis turbine is a reaction turbine, which means that the working fluid changes pressure as it moves through the turbine, giving up its energy.

·         The inlet is spiral shaped. Guide vanes direct the water tangentially to the runner. The radial flow acts on the runner vanes, causing it to spin.

·         The guide vanes (or wicket gates) are adjustable in order to allow efficient turbine operation for a range of water flow conditions.

·         Power plants operate with net heads ranging from 66 to 2,461 ft (20 to 750 m).