Compare Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan turbines with their applications.

Pelton turbine: impulse type, uses high-velocity water jets hitting buckets on runner, suitable for high head (300-2000m) and low flow, efficiency 85-90%. Francis turbine: reaction type, water flows radially inward through guide vanes to runner then axially out, suitable for medium head (40-600m) and flow, most common type, efficiency 90-95%. Kaplan turbine: reaction type with adjustable runner blades, water flows axially, suitable for low head (10-70m) and high flow (run-of-river plants), efficiency 90-93%. Selection based on specific speed, head, and flow characteristics of the site.