Turbine

Turbine

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Inlet guide vanes of a turbojet engine.

Various turbine components.

A turbine is a rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it into useful work. The work produced by a turbine can be used for generating electricity, powering a vehicle, or driving a mechanical process.

A steam turbine in a power plant.

Types of Turbines

Turbines can be classified based on the type of fluid that drives them:

Steam Turbines

Steam turbines are driven by steam produced in a boiler. They are commonly used in power plants to generate electricity. The steam expands through the turbine, causing the rotor to spin and produce mechanical energy.

Gas Turbines

Gas turbines operate on the principle of the Brayton cycle and are used in jet engines and power plants. They are driven by high-temperature, high-pressure gas produced by burning fuel.

Water Turbines

Water turbines are used in hydroelectric power plants. They convert the energy of flowing or falling water into mechanical energy.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity by a generator.

Other Types

Other types of turbines include turboshaft engines, which are used in helicopters, and turbojet engines, which are used in aircraft.

Operation Principles

Turbines operate on the principles of impulse and reaction. In impulse turbines, the fluid is directed onto the blades, causing them to spin. In reaction turbines, the fluid expands as it passes through the blades, creating a reaction force that spins the rotor.

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Diagram showing impulse and reaction turbine principles.

Applications

Turbines are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Power generation in thermal, hydroelectric, and wind power plants.
• Propulsion systems in aircraft and ships.
• Mechanical drives in industrial processes.

History

The development of turbines dates back to ancient times, with early examples including water wheels and windmills. The modern steam turbine was developed in the late 19th century by Sir Charles Parsons, revolutionizing power generation.

Related Pages

• Steam engine
• Gas turbine
• Wind turbine
• Hydroelectricity