This article is related to turbine. We will also discuss working principle of turbine and different types of turbines.
Let’s start!
Table of Contents
What Is Turbine?
Turbine is a rotating part that converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy or electrical energy.
A turbine converts the energy of a fluid, such as steam, gas or water, into mechanical energy. This generates mechanical energy, which can be used to drive tools or machines, or to generate electricity through a generator.
The intended application determines the design and size of the turbines, which come in a variety of sizes and designs. For example, gas turbines are commonly found in power generation and aircraft engines, while steam turbines are more often used in power plants to generate electricity. Hydraulic turbines produce electricity from the flow of water and are used in hydroelectric power plants.
The basic principle of a turbine remains the same regardless of the application. The turbine’s blades rotate with the fluid directed above them, producing mechanical energy. Factors such as the type of fluid used, the desired power output and operating conditions affect turbine design and construction, which can vary widely.
Working Principle Of Turbine:
When any fluid strikes the blade of the turbine, the blades are displaced which produces rotational energy. When the turbine shaft is directly coupled with generator mechanical energy to convert into electrical energy.
Types of Turbine:
1. Water Turbine:
When the turbine is rotated by the action of water then it is known as a water turbine. It is used in hydroelectric power plants.
It is classified into two types:
- a. Impulse Type Turbines:
- b. Reaction Type Turbines:
(a) Impulse Type Turbines:
It works on the principle of Newton’s second law. It has a number of elliptical half-sized buckets fitted instead of blades on the rotor. When the water strikes the buckets at high speed, the rotor starts rotating, then the kinetic energy of water is converted into mechanical energy.
Example: Pelton Turbine.
Pelton Turbine is used for a low discharge rate and where a high head is available.
(b) Reaction Type Turbines:
In this turbine blades are designed in such a way that force is generated on the side when water flows through it like an airfoil. The force produced by the water is responsible for the lift and makes the blade rotate.
Example: Kaplan Turbine.
Kaplan turbines are used for high discharge along with low or medium heat.
Francis turbine is widely used as it is highly efficient.
2. Gas Turbines:
It is used in internal combustion engines which are not generating electricity but also help in takeoff. It contains sets of rotating blades that can suck a huge amount of air and compress it which increases the temperature. The air is then used for combustion.
Types of gas turbines:
- Turbojet
- Ramjet
- Turbofan etc.
3. Steam Turbines:
It is used in thermal and nuclear power plants. The water is heated to form steam and when it is passed through the turbine it produces electricity. It consists of rotating blades called rotor and static blades called the stator.
The method of strategically placing rotor and stator to extract maximum energy is called compounding.
4. Wind Turbines:
It is affordable, clean, and sustainable. Its rotor has 3 blades and is designed in such a way that when air flows in between the blades it starts rotating. The turbines rotate at a very low RPM. A gearbox is added to enhance the speed.
Types of wind turbines:
- Savonius vertical axis turbine.
- Darrieus vertical axis turbine.
- Horizontal vertical axis turbine.
Uses Of Turbine
- Turbines are used in some geothermal power plants, where steam from underground reservoirs is used to drive turbines and generate electricity.
- Gas turbines are used in naval ships to generate electricity and provide propulsion.
- Gas turbines are utilized as internal combustion engines in power plants and also to power aircraft and helicopters.
- Steam turbines are used in various medium- to large-scale industries including chemical plants, waste treatment facilities, and oil, gas, and sugar mills.
- Large wind turbines can produce 100 kW to MW of power and contribute to the grid.
- Wind power plants use reaction-type turbines to generate electricity from wind, commonly found in areas with strong and consistent wind such as rounded hills, coastlines, open plains, and mountain gaps.
- Hydroelectric power plants use water turbines, with high-head plants utilizing impulse turbines for power generation.
Summing Up
This was all about turbine and types of turbines. I hope you enjoyed this article. Thanks for reading reading my article.