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Definition of Turbine
Machines in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted to mechanical power by the impulse or reaction of the fluid with a series of buckets, paddles, or blades arrayed about the circumference of a wheel or cylinder. The term "turbine" was coined by professor Claude Burdin; he derived the term from turbo, a spinning object.
History of Turbines
A water, or hydraulic, turbine is used to drive electric generators in hydroelectric power stations. The first such station was built in Wisconsin in 1882(the Pelton wheel, the Francis turbine, and the Kaplan turbine) Toward the end of the 19th cent. two engineers, Sir Charles A. Parsons of Great Britain and Carl G. P. de Laval of Sweden, were pioneers in the building of steam turbines.
Theory of Operation
A working fluid contains potential energy (pressure head) and kinetic energy (velocity head). The fluid may be compressible or non-compressible. Several physical principles are employed by turbines to collect this energy;
Impulse Turbine
Impulse turbines change the direction of flow of a high velocity fluid jet. The resulting impulse spins the turbine and leaves the fluid flow with diminished kinetic energy. There is no pressure change of the fluid in the turbine blades. Pressure head is changed to velocity head by focusing the fluid with a nozzle, prior to hitting the turbine blades. Pelton wheels and de Laval turbines use this concept. Impulse turbines do not require a pressure casement around the runner, since the fluid jet is prepared by a nozzle prior to hitting the turbine. Newton's second law describes the transfer of energy for impulse turbines.
Reaction Turbine
Reaction turbines develop torque by reacting to the fluid's
pressure or weight. The pressure of the fluid changes as it passes through the turbine. A pressure casement is needed to contain the working fluid as it acts on the turbine runner, or the turbine must be fully immersed in the fluid flow (wind turbines). The casing contains and directs the working fluid, and for water turbines maintain suction imparted by the draft tube. Francis turbines and most steam turbines use this concept. For compressible working fluids, multiple turbine stages may by used to efficiently harness the expanding gas. Newton's third law describes the transfer of energy for reaction turbines.
Theoretically efficiency is independent of the row number. However in practice efficiency and work done in final stages reduces and therefore overall efficiency drops with increase rows.
Pressure-Velocity Compound
This system gives the advantage of producing a shortened rotor compared to pure velocity compounding. In addition it also removes the problem of very high inlet steam velocities and the reduction in efficiency and work done in the final stages.
Parsons Impulse-Reaction
A velocity compounded wheel is often used as the first stage(s) giving a large drop in conditions allowing simpler construction of casing and rotor and reducing length. Special steels are limited to the nozzle box.
Maximum blade efficiency is when entrance angle is at 0o and when the blade is rotating at 1/2 the speed of the jet stream
Maximum blade efficiency 14o to 20o
Weldability
Blade Sealing
Labyrinth Seals
Within the cavity where the flow is turbulent, the velocity of the steam is increased with an associated drop in pressure.
The kinetic energy is then dissipated by the change in direction, turbulence and eddy currents.
P3 < P2 < P1
Rotor
Rotor
Governing System
The conical seat and spherical valve trim shape ensures tightness. The seat is shaped to ensure that there is no velocity increase which is associated with the pressure drop leading to
losses. While opening the pilot opens equalising the pressure in balance chamber and then when servo motor further opens the pilot stem lifts the main valve.
Governing Mechanism
Overload
For overload conditions in excess of normal a bypass v/v may be fitted which admits steam a number of stages down from the HP inlet.By introducing the low specific volume steam further down where the nozzle area are greater allows more steam flow.
Casing
The casing is made of four main parts Bottom Half-If all the nozzles are contained in the top half, then the bottom half is subject to steam at wheel case pressure and temperature only and can therefore be made of cast iron. >Thrust bearing housing Front Journal bearing Rear gland housing Rear Journal bearing Flexible coupling housing Nozzle box-Contains ahead nozzle, subjected to boiler pressure and temperature hence made from cast steel Turbine casing cover- Subjected to reduced pressure and temperature and can therefore be made of cast iron
Expansion arrangements
Allowance for expansion over the temperature range in which the turbines operate is essential to reduce thermal stress, mechanical stress and maintain proper tooth contact and blade clearance. This is acheived by securing the turbine at one end and allowing to expand. The free end is normally the hotter end of the turbine where expansion is expected to be greatest. The turbine is rigidly attached to the Rear pedestal. The front end is allowed to expand.
Labyrinth Seals
Thrust Bearing
The thrust bearing is placed at the inlet end of the turbine casing as this is the hottest end and hence the most effected by differential turbine/casing expansion. This helps to prevent damage to the glands and also allows the use of reduced clearances, necessary as the specific volume of the steam is at its highest