TURBINES

STEAM TURBINES
GAS TURBINES
WATER TURBINES
PRIME MOVERS
Prime movers are self moving devices which
convert the available natural soured of energy
to mechanical energy to drive other machines.
Steam Turbines
Gas turbines
IC engines
Steam Turbine
It is type of Thermal prime mover.
Heat energy of steam is converted to
mechanical energy.
They are used in thermal power plants for
driving the electric generators, textile & sugar
industries.
This equipment is adiabatic since they are un-
cooled.
Classification of Steam Turbines
BASIS TYPES
TYPE OF EXPANSION IMPULSE TURBINE
REACTION TURBINE
COMBINATION TURBINE
NUMBER OF STAGES SINGLE STAGE TURBINE
MULTISTAGE TURBINE
TYPE OF STEAM FLOW AXIAL FLOW TURBINE
RADIAL FLOW TURBINE
STEAM PRESSURE LOW PRESURE TURBINES
MEDIUM PRESSURE TURBINES
HIGH PRESSURE TURBINES
MIXED PRESSURE TURBINES
EXIT PRESSURE CONDENSING TURBINES
NON CONDENSING TURBINES
Expansion of steam in nozzle
High velocity jet of steam is produced by
expanding the high pressure steam in convergent-
divergent nozzle as shown in fig. below. Due to
pressure expansion enthalpy of steam is reduced,
as there is no external work and heat transfer in
the nozzle the loss in enthalpy should be equal
to gain in velocity of the steam.
Impulse & Reaction turbines
Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine
Steam expands from high pressure to
low pressure in the nozzle before
entering to the blades.
High pressure steam continuously
expands successively in both fixed &
moving blades.
Steam expansion does not occur
while passing in moving blades due to
symmetrical profile of blades.
Due to asymmetrical profile steam
expansion occurs when it flows
between moving & fixing blades.
Steam pressure is same at both ends
of the blade.
Steam pressure is different at both
ends of the blade.
Pressure drop is high ,hence higher
speeds can be obtained.
Pressure drop is low ,hence lesser
speeds can be obtained.
Occupies less space per unit power Occupies more space per unit power
Used for small power generation Used for high power generation
Compounding is needed due to high
rotor speeds
Since speeds are moderate
compounding is not needed
Delavals
Turbine
The working of the De Laval turbine is as follows: The steam
is blown through stationary divergent nozzles where it is
allowed to expand to the pressure of the exhaust chamber.
Each particle of steam, which moves very rapidly, strikes
against a concave vane or plate which projects from the
drum like a spoke. This causes the wheel to move rapidly.
The outer end of the buckets are covered by a ring which
prevents the centrifugal escape of the steam. The nozzles
vary in number and can be closed independently of each
other, so that the number In use may be made to suit
conditions of running. As the material composing the
turbine machine limits the speed at which it can safely be
run, it is necessary to have some form of reducing gear in
the transmission. The smaller types of De Laval turbines run
at about 30,000 R. P. M., and are geared down to about
3000. The larger sizes run at about 10,000 R. P. M. under
gear. Even with all the disadvantages of gearing, the turbine
is used extensively in units ranging from 1 1/2 to 200 H. P.
Its principal parts are the shaft, drum, cylindrical case inside
of which the drum revolves, vanes on the drum and
cylindrical part, balance pistons.


Parsons Turbine
This is example for reaction turbine. It consists of wheel with casing which
gradually increase with the cross section. This is done to allow steam for
expansion. A ring of blades attached to the wheel are called moving blades &
they are shaped in a direction such that they provide a nozzle effect. The
fixed blades sizes also increases with the direction of the steam flow.
The steam enters & passes alternatively on fixed & moving blades allowing
the steam to expand gradually, as a result reaction force is set up which helps
in turbines rotation.
Compounding of Turbines
Compounding of steam turbines is the method in which energy
from the steam is extracted in a number of stages rather than a
single stage in a turbine. A compounded steam turbine has
multiple stages i.e. it has more than one set of
nozzles and rotors, in series, keyed to the shaft or fixed to the
casing, so that either the steam pressure or the jet velocity is
absorbed by the turbine in number of stages.
The steam produced in the boiler has got very high enthalpy. In
all turbines the blade velocity is directly proportional to the
velocity of the steam passing over the blade. Now, if the entire
energy of the steam is extracted in one stage, i.e. if the steam is
expanded from the boiler pressure to the condenser pressure in
a single stage, then its velocity will be very high. Hence the
velocity of the rotor (to which the blades are keyed) can reach to
about 30,000 rpm, which is pretty high for practical uses.
Moreover at such high speeds the centrifugal forces are
immense, which can damage the structure. Hence,
compounding is needed
Types of compounding
In an Impulse steam turbine compounding can
be achieved in the following three ways: -
1. Velocity compounding
2. Pressure compounding
3. Pressure-Velocity Compounding
In a Reaction turbine compounding can be
achieved only by Pressure compounding.

Velocity Compounding
(Curtis Impulse Turbine)
Velocity Compounding
(Curtis Impulse Turbine)
The velocity compounded Impulse turbine was first proposed by C G Curtis to solve the problem of
single stage Impulse turbine for use of high pressure and temperature steam.
The rings of moving blades are separated by rings of fixed blades. The moving blades are keyed to
the turbine shaft and the fixed blades are fixed to the casing. The high pressure steam coming from
the boiler is expanded in the nozzle first. The Nozzle converts the pressure energy of the steam into
kinetic energy. It is interesting to note that the total enthalpy drop and hence the pressure drop
occurs in the nozzle. Hence, the pressure thereafter remains constant.
This high velocity steam is directed on to the first set (ring) of moving blades. As the steam flows
over the blades, due the shape of the blades, it imparts some of its momentum to the blades and
losses some velocity. Only a part of the high kinetic energy is absorbed by these blades. The
remainder is exhausted on to the next ring of fixed blade. The function of the fixed blades is to
redirect the steam leaving from the first ring moving blades to the second ring of moving blades.
There is no change in the velocity of the steam as it passes through the fixed blades. The steam
then enters the next ring of moving blades; this process is repeated until practically all the energy
of the steam has been absorbed.
A schematic diagram of the Curtis stage impulse turbine, with two rings of moving blades one ring
of fixed blades is shown in figure . The figure also shows the changes in the pressure and the
absolute steam velocity as it passes through the stages.
where,
P
i
= pressure of steam at inlet
V
i
= velocity of steam at inlet
P
o
= pressure of steam at outlet
V
o
= velocity of steam at outlet
In the above figure there are two rings of moving blades separated by a single of ring of fixed
blades. As discussed earlier the entire pressure drop occurs in the nozzle, and there are no
subsequent pressure losses in any of the following stages. Velocity drop occurs in the moving
blades and not in fixed blades.

Pressure Compounding
(Rateau's Impulse Turbine)
Pressure Compounding
(Rateau's Impulse Turbine)
The pressure compounded Impulse turbine is also called as Rateau
turbine, after its inventor.
It consists of alternate rings of nozzles and turbine blades. The
nozzles are fitted to the casing and the blades are keyed to the
turbine shaft.
In this type of compounding the steam is expanded in a number of
stages, instead of just one (nozzle) in the velocity compounding. It is
done by the fixed blades which act as nozzles. The steam expands
equally in all rows of fixed blade. The steam coming from the boiler
is fed to the first set of fixed blades i.e. the nozzle ring. The steam is
partially expanded in the nozzle ring. Hence, there is a partial
decrease in pressure of the incoming steam. This leads to an
increase in the velocity of the steam. Therefore the pressure
decreases and velocity increases partially in the nozzle.
This is then passed over the set of moving blades. As the steam
flows over the moving blades nearly all its velocity is absorbed.
However, the pressure remains constant during this process. After
this it is passed into the nozzle ring and is again partially expanded.
Then it is fed into the next set of moving blades, and this process is
repeated until the condenser pressure is reached.
Pressure-Velocity compounding
(Curtis & Moore Impulse Turbine)
(Combined Impulse Turbine)
Pressure-Velocity compounding
(Curtis & Moore Impulse Turbine)
(Combined Impulse Turbine)
It is a combination of the above two types of compounding.
The total pressure drop of the steam is divided into a number
of stages. Each stage consists of rings of fixed and moving
blades. Each set of rings of moving blades is separated by a
single ring of fixed blades. In each stage there is one ring of
fixed blades and 3-4 rings of moving blades. Each stage acts as
a velocity compounded impulse turbine.
The fixed blades act as nozzles. The steam coming from the
boiler is passed to the first ring of fixed blades, where it gets
partially expanded. The pressure partially decreases and the
velocity rises correspondingly. The velocity is absorbed by the
following rings of moving blades until it reaches the next ring
of fixed blades and the whole process is repeated once again.

Advantages of steam turbines over
other prime movers
Thermal efficiency is high & more durable.
Heavy foundation is not needed.
Used for driving high speed machines such as
generators, gas compressors, etc.
Propelling force is directly applied on the rotating
element.
Used for constant speed operations like textile
industries.
They are used in thermal power plants as they can take
up sudden overloads with negligible loss in efficiency.
Can generate powers ranging from few KW to 1000KW.

Steam turbine Construction
1 steam pipeline
2 inlet control valve
3 nozzle chamber
4 nozzle-box
5 outlet
6 stator
7 blade carrier
8 casing
9 rotor disc
10 rotor
11 journal bearing
13 thrust bearing
14 generator rotor
15 coupling
16 labyrinth packing
19 steam bleeding (extraction)
21 bearing pedestal
22 safety governor
23 main oil pump
24 centrifugal governor
25 turning gear
29 control stage impulse blading
Construction of steam turbines
Construction of steam turbines
Introduction to Gas Turbines
The first gas turbine was designed and manufactured in
England by Stolze in 1872. In United States, Charles G.
Curtis was the first to patent and develop a gas turbine in
1914. World war 1 and world war 2 have given a great
boost for the development of the gas turbine. Frank whittle
was a first scientist patented the design of the gas turbine
aircraft engine. Gas turbine is used in wide range of
applications like, aircraft, industrial, ship and power
generation plants.

In the gas turbine plant, the atmospheric air is drawn and is
compressed to a high pressure, the fuel is injected to the
compressed air, the fuel burns and the energy is released,
the energy is utilized to rotate a turbine. The heat transfer
to the working fluid may be through direct contact or
through indirect heating without any change in the
composition of the working fluid.

Gas Turbines
Gas Turbine is also a prime mover. A jet of burnt gases
& air is made to flow through the blades of turbines
which are interconnected to the rotor. The shape of the
blades are similar to that of steam turbine.
Applications
Generating electricity.
Steel , oil & chemical industries.
Rockets , missiles , ship propulsions

Classification
Constant pressure open cycle gas turbine
Constant pressure closed cycle gas turbine

Open Cycle Gas Turbine
Open Cycle Gas Turbine
Combustion chamber is connected between the
compressor & turbine as shown in sketch.
Compressor, generator & turbine are coupled co-axially.
Atmospheric air is drawn into compressor to increase its
pressure. The compressed air is delivered to combustion
chamber where fuel ( kerosene, coal, coal-gas, gasoline) is
injected into it at constant pressure. Heat is obtained by
burning the fuel at constant pressure.
The products of combustion that are obtained at high
temperature & pressure are made to flow into the turbine.
There the elements expands & drives the turbines.
Then the resultant gases are let out to the atmosphere
through exhaust.

Closed Cycle Gas Turbine
Closed Cycle Gas Turbine
Heat exchanger is connected between the compressor &
turbine as shown in sketch.
Compressor, generator & turbine are coupled co-axially.
Here atmospheric air or stable gas like nitrogen, CO2, helium
are used.
Atmospheric air is drawn into compressor for increasing its
pressure. This air is passed to heat exchanger for preheating
at constant pressure. This results in the gas to be in high
pressure & high temperature state.
This high pressure gas is allowed to expand in turbine which
in- turn rotates the blades of turbine & thus energy can be
derived from it.
The resultant exhaust gases(low pressure & temperature) are
passed through the heat exchanger (cooling) where they can
be reused & continuous cycle is obtained.



Differences b/w open & closed cycle
gas turbines
Closed cycle Open cycle
Working substance is continuously
re-circulated.
Working substance is continuously
replaced in every cycle.
Exhaust gases are reused. Exhaust gases are let into
atmosphere
Any fluid is used as working
substance
Working substance comprises of air
& fuel mixture.
No loss of working substance Fresh air is drawn in every cycle.
Large amounts of cooling water is
needed
No requirement of cooling.
Thermal efficiency is high. Thermal efficiency is lesser.
Smaller compressor needed Big compressor needed
Maintenance cost is high Maintenance cost is low
Water Turbines
Water turbines were developed in the nineteenth
century and were widely used for industrial
power prior to electrical grids. Now they are
mostly used for electric power generation. They
harness a clean and renewable energy source.

A hydraulic turbine is a machine, which converts
pressure energy in to mechanical energy. It uses
the kinetic energy end potential energy of water
and sets the rotor in motion by the dynamic
action of water flowing from high head.

Classification of Hydraulic Turbines
The classification of water turbines are as follows

1. According to the type of energy at inlet
a) Impulse turbine.
b) Reaction turbine.

2. According to the direction of flow of water through the runner
a) Tangential flow.
b) Radial inward flow.
c) Radial outward flow.
c) Axial flow.
d) Mixed flow.

3. According to the head under which turbine works
a) High head, Impulse turbine Ex: pelton wheel.
b) Medium head, reaction turbine Ex: Francis turbine.
c) Low head, reaction turbine: Ex: kaplan turbine.

4. According to the specific speed of the turbine
a) Low specific speed turbine, impulse turbine. Ex: pelton wheel.
b) Medium specific speed, reaction turbine. Ex: Francis turbine.
c) High specific speed, reaction turbine. Ex: Kaplan turbine.

5. According to the position of the shaft
a) Horizontal shaft.
b) Vertical shaft.


Impulse water turbines
In impulse turbine a high-velocity jet of water
hits a series of specially shaped cups on the
runner. Impulse turbines change the velocity of a
water jet. The jet impinges on the turbine's
curved blades which reverse the flow. The
resulting change in momentum (impulse) causes
a force on the turbine blades. Since the turbine is
spinning, the force acts through a distance (work)
and the diverted water flow is left with
diminished energy. Prior to hitting the turbine
blades, the water's pressure (potential energy) is
converted to kinetic energy by a nozzle and
focused on the turbine. No pressure change
occurs at the turbine blades, and the turbine
doesn't require a housing for operation.

Pelton Wheel
Pelton wheel, a type of impulse turbine, named after L. A. Pelton who invented it in
1880. Water passes through nozzles and strikes cups arranged on the periphery of a
runner, or wheel, which causes the runner to rotate, producing mechanical energy. The
runner is fixed on a shaft, and the rotational motion of the turbine is transmitted by
the shaft to a generator. Pelton turbines are suited to high head, low flow applications;
they are used in storage power stations (dams) with downward gradients above 300
meters
Reaction Water Turbine
Reaction turbine needs a low head &
high flow rate. Only some part of the
pressure energy of water is converted
into kinetic energy. First the water
passes through the guide blades &
then to the moving blades which are
mounted on the turbine wheel. The
function of guide blades is to deflect
or guide the water into the moving
blades. The water leaving the moving
blades are at low pressure. This
difference in pressure at entry & exit
of moving blades sets up the turbine
wheel to rotate in opposite direction.
Kaplan turbine

Kaplan turbine
The Kaplan turbine is an inward flow reaction turbine,
which means that the working fluid changes pressure as it
moves through the turbine and gives up its energy. The
design combines radial and axial features. The inlet is a
scroll-shaped tube that wraps around the turbine's wicket
gate (guide vanes). Water is directed tangentially, through
the guide vanes, and spirals on to a propeller shaped
runner, causing it to spin. The outlet is a specially shaped
draft tube that helps decelerate the water and recover
kinetic energy. The turbine does not need to be at the
lowest point of water flow, as long as the draft tube
remains full of water. Variable geometry of the guide vanes
and turbine blades allow efficient operation for a range of
flow conditions. Kaplan turbine efficiencies are typically
over 90%, but may be lower in very low head applications.

Francis turbine
Francis turbine
It is a reaction turbine working under medium head handling
medium quantity of water. Francis turbines can either be
volute-cased or open-flume machines. The spiral casing is
tapered to distribute water uniformly around the entire
perimeter of the runner and the guide vanes feed the water
into the runner at the correct angle. Thus, water possessing
pressure and kinetic energy enters the runner vanes in the
radial direction and leaves in the axial direction. The runner
blades are profiled in a complex manner and direct the water
so that it exits axially from center of the runner. In doing so
the water imparts most of its pressure energy to the runner
before leaving the turbine via a draft tube.

The Francis turbine is generally fitted with adjustable guide
vanes. These regulate the water flow as it enters the runner
and are usually linked to a governing system which matches
flow to turbine loading in the same way as a spear valve or
deflector plate in a Pelton turbine. When the flow is reduced
the efficiency of the turbine falls away.