A
turbine is a device which converts the enthalpy and kinetic energy of a
moving fluid into some form of mechanical work. Because of this, turbines
have been used in many areas including steam power plants, jet engines,
hydroelectric power plants, steam locomotives, among many others. A basic
turbine consists of a rotor or series of rotors. These rotors are mainly
composed of fins connected to a shaft. When a fluid flows through the
fins, the angle of the fins causes the rotor or rotors spin, which causes
the shaft to rotate. The torque in the shaft is then able to do some form
of mechanical work, such as rotate a compressor or turn a generator which
produces current.Water, air and other gases are typical working fluids for a turbine. Early and most readily recognizable applications of a turbine are the windmill and watermill which harness moving air and water respectively and convert it into some form of useful work such as supplying the energy to grind grain or saw lumber. An important application is the steam power plant which utilizes steam pressure to rotate a generator and produce electricity.
As the fluid passes through the turbine, it loses some of its velocity, pressure, and temperature.
ISENTROPIC EFFICIENCY |
The Isentropic efficiency of a turbine is a comparison of the actual power output with the Isentropic case. Typical Isentropic efficiencies range from 70-90%. |
REFERENCES : Jones, J. B., & R. E. Dugan. Engineering Thermodynamics. |
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