Steam Turbines :: essays research papers

traveler TurbinesThe aim of the water turbine was so successful that eventually,the idea came about for extracting power from locomote. Steam has one greatadvantage over water-it expands in volume with fantastic velocity. To be themost effective, a steam turbine must run at a very high speed. No wheel made sess revolve at any speed approaching the velocity that a steam turbine can. Byutilizing the kinetic cipher of steam flow, the turbine could achieve a higherefficiency. As a result, the steam turbine has supplanted the reciprocatingengine as a prime mover in large electricity-generating plants and is also usedas a means of jet propulsion.The action of the steam turbine is based on the thermodynamic principlethat when a vapor is allowed to expand, its temperature drops. In turn, itsinternal zero is decreased. This reduction in internal push is transformedinto mechanical vim in the form of an acceleration of the particles of vapor.The transformation that occurs, provides a l arge totality of available work energy.The essential parts of all steam turbines consist of nozzles or jetsthrough which the steam can flow and expand. Thus, the temperature drops, andkinetic energy is gained. In addition, there are blades, on which high pressuresteam is exerted. Stationary blades shift the steam onto rotating blades, whichprovide power. Also, turbines are equipped with wheels or drums where theblades are mounted. A shaft for these wheels or drums is also a prefatorial component,as well as an outer casing that confines the steam to the area of the turbineproper. In order to efficiently use this contraption, it is necessary to progress to anumber of stages. In each of these stages, a small mensuration of thermal energy isconverted to kinetic energy. If the entire conversion of energy besidesk place atonce, the rotative speed of the turbine wheel would be way too excessive.Steam turbines are really quite simple machines, that have and onemajor moving part, the rotor. However, auxiliary equipment is necessary fortheir operation. Journal bearings congest the shaft, and an oil system provideslubrication to these bearings. A special seal system prevents steam from