The Pelton wheel is a type of water turbine invented by Lester Allan Pelton in the 1870s. It is designed to harness the energy of falling water, making it highly efficient for hydroelectric power generation. The wheel consists of a series of spoon-shaped buckets that capture water jets, converting the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy. Pelton wheels are particularly effective in high-head applications, where water falls from a significant height. They are commonly used in hydropower plants and can operate efficiently with varying water flow rates. This technology has contributed to the development of renewable energy sources worldwide.