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Turbomachines: An
Introduction

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Text Book & References:
a) Gopalakrishnan, G. & Prithvi Raj, D., “ A Treatise on
turbomachines”, Scitech Publications, 2002.

b) Dixon, S.L., “Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics of turbomachines”, 5th

Edition, Butterworth-Hinemann, 2005.

c) Sayers, A. T., "Hydraulic and Compressible Flow Turbomachines", McGraw

Hill, 1990.

d) Kadambi, V. and Manohar Prasad, "An Introduction to Energy Conversion

Vol. III: Turbomachinery", 7th Reprint, Wiley Eastern, 1997.

e) Jagdish Lal, "Hydraulic Machines", 6th Edition, Metropolitan Book, 1975.

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Fluid Machines:
Application of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
 Involves transfer of energy between fluid and a machine

Fluid Machines

Positive displacement Turbomachines

(Rotodynamic machines)3
Positive displacement machine:
DELIVERY VALVE
(CLOSED)
PISTON

SUCTION VALVE
(OPEN)
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What type of pump is this?
Positive displacement, or,
Turbomachine
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Turbomachines:
 There is no mechanical barrier between the inlet and outlet ports
for the fluid.
 Absence of a physical barrier can cause leakage flow from high
to low pressure sides. So the operating pressure range is limited.

 Flow here is continuous

 Transfer of energy by means of dynamic action as opposed to

positive displacement machines.

e.g. centrifugal pump, fan, blower, Pelton, Francis, Kaplan

turbines, steam or gas turbines.

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Some common examples of turbomachines:

IMPELLER

Cut-section of a pump

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IMPELLER

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 Centrifugal Pump

Flow Out

Flow In Impeller
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Francis Turbine

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Francis Turbine Shaft

Impeller Adjustable Guide Blade

Spiral Casing

Draft Tube

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Kaplan Turbine

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 Radiator fan used in cars

Fan
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Kaplan Turbine Regulating shaft for impeller
Shaft blades

Adjustable Guide Blade

Spiral Casing
Adjustable impeller
blade

Draft tube

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Kaplan Turbine

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Marine Propeller

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Windmill
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Impeller blades

Stationary
blades

Axial compressor 20
Open type and Closed type Impeller

Closed type
Open type

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 Closed
type impeller

Semi-open
type impeller

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Turbomachines:
Definition: Turbomachine is a device where energy is
transferred either from or to a continuously flowing fluid by
the dynamic action of one or more rotating blade rows.
Classification:
a) Based on mode of transfer of energy:
shaft power fluid: e.g. pumps, fans, blowers or compressors
[POWER ABSORBING DEVICE]
fluid shaft power: e.g. steam, gas or hydraulic turbines
[POWER PRODUCING DEVICE]
b) Based on working medium:
 deals with liquids in general, and water in particular. e.g.
pumps, hydraulic turbines
 deals with vapours and gases in general and air in particular. e.g.
gas turbine, steam turbine, compressor, blower, fan 23
Classification:
c) Based on type of flow:

incompressible flow: liquids and gas at low Mach Number

[hydro-turbomachnies, commerical blowers, fans]
compressible flow: gas at high Mach Number [e.g. high-speed,
high pressure-ratio compressors]

d) Direction of flow:

Irrespective of the flow medium, turbo-machines are classified

as radial, mixed and axial flow ones depending on the flow
path taken by the medium.

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Axial flow machines: Here the fluid flows parallel to the axis
inside the impeller/rotating blades. Compressors of turbojet
engines, fans, axial flow pump, Kaplan turbine and steam
turbines are representatives of axial-flow types.

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Radial flow machines: Here the flow, passing through the
vane passage of the impeller, is in a radial direction.

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Mixed flow machines: Here the flow path is not fully along
radial or axial directions. e.g. some types of Francis turbines.

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Some concepts

Inlet

Mixed –flow Compressor Stage

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Thank You

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