The document discusses specific speed, which is a metric used to compare different types of turbines. Specific speed is defined as the speed of a geometrically similar turbine that produces 1 unit of power under 1 unit of head. The specific speed ranges are provided for common turbine types: Pelton wheel turbines have a specific speed of 80-50, Francis turbines range from 50-250, and Kaplan turbines have the highest specific speed range of 250-850. Specific speed is one factor used to select the appropriate turbine type for installation based on factors like head, part load operations, number of units, cost, and more. Turbines are also classified as having high, medium, or low specific speeds based on these defined ranges.