What’s a gas turbine?

Gas turbines convert gas energy into kinetic energy to power machinery. They have a superior power-to-weight ratio compared to reciprocating engines, but are more expensive. A gas turbine engine consists of a compressor, combustion area, and turbine. In airplanes, the turbine shaft rotates the compressor fan to provide thrust. A gas turbine is a rotary […]

What’s a gas turbine engine?

Gas turbine engines use pressurized gas to turn a turbine and compressor, with fuel being ignited to increase temperature and pressure. The Norwegian engineer Aegidius Elling patented the gas turbine in 1884. The main parts are the compressor, combustion area, and turbine, with a shaft connecting the compressor and turbine. Gas turbine engines have advantages […]

What’s a turbine engine?

A turbine engine converts energy into mechanical motion by directing high-pressure gases over turbine blades attached to a central shaft. It has fewer moving parts than a piston engine and can run at higher speeds. It is used to power various vehicles and has several advantages over piston engines. The widely accepted definition of a […]

What’s a floating wind turbine?

Floating wind turbines use a tether to connect to the ground and can reach high altitudes to capture high-speed winds. Private companies are racing to perfect the technology, with StatoilHydro ASA and Blue H claiming upcoming stations. Sky Windpower Corporation claims their helicopter-like device may be the cheapest way to harness energy. The technology harnesses […]

Best wind turbine manufacturers: how to choose?

When choosing wind turbine manufacturers, consider factors such as the length of time they’ve been in business, the quality of materials used, the price and efficiency of the turbines, and the location of the manufacturer. It’s important to ensure that the manufacturer specializes in the type of turbine that will work best in the specific […]

What’s a Steam Turbine?

Steam turbines convert thermal energy into rotary motion, commonly used in power plants to generate electricity. The first modern steam turbine was designed by Sir Charles Parsons in 1884 and is now widely used in fossil fuel, nuclear, and solar power plants. The turbines use controlled stages of pressurized steam to expand and rotate blades, […]

What’s a Kaplan turbine?

The Kaplan turbine is a water turbine that uses adjustable blades and gates to generate hydroelectric power. It is ideal for low head water pressure situations and was developed by Austrian engineering professor Victor Kaplan in 1913. The turbine uses an inward-flowing tube and adjustable ports to direct and control water pressure, and features an […]

What’s a prop turbine?

Propeller turbines convert fluid or gas flow into rotary motion, with wind and hydraulic propellers being the two main types. They are used to generate electricity and mechanical work, with wind turbines being horizontal or vertical axis. Water propeller turbines, such as the Kaplan turbine, are commonly used in hydroelectric plants. Propeller turbines are cost-effective […]

What’s a Reaction Turbine?

Reaction turbines use fluid pressure to spin a rotor and generate electricity. There are three main types: helix, kinetic, and Francis. Kinetic turbines use flowing water to generate electricity and require no additional infrastructure. A reaction turbine is a rotating engine that harnesses energy from fluids using Newton’s third law of motion, which states that […]

Types of wind turbine designs?

Wind turbines come in two types: horizontal and vertical axis. Horizontal turbines are efficient and cost-effective, while vertical turbines are less efficient but have new designs to minimize noise and harm to birds. The Darrieus and Savonius are two types of vertical turbines, while the Windspire is a tall, narrow model. Smaller models are also […]

What’s a Turbine Pump?

Turbine pumps are centrifugal pumps used to pump water from underground sources to distribution systems. They have a motor, impeller, and shroud, and can be submersible or deep-well. They provide high flow rates and efficiency for various applications. A turbine pump is a centrifugal pump used primarily to pump water from deep wells or other […]

What’s a Turbine Pump?

Turbine pumps are centrifugal pumps used to pump water from underground or man-made sources to water distribution systems. They consist of a pump shaft, impeller, and motor, with multiple impellers known as stages. The motor can be submersible or above water, and the total energy absorbed is known as the total head. Water enters the […]

What’s a Vertical Wind Turbine?

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have a main rotor shaft that runs vertically, unlike the more common horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). VAWTs have advantages such as easier maintenance and increased reliability, but are less efficient and not commonly used for commercial purposes. Ongoing research aims to improve VAWT power output and reduce noise. The […]

What’s a gas turbine plant?

Gas turbine plants use natural gas to produce electricity by heating water to create steam that turns a turbine. It is the third most common way of producing electricity, with environmental benefits. A hybrid plant, using centralized gas turbines, can increase efficiency by up to 60%. Gas turbine plants produce less carbon dioxide, mercury, and […]

What’s turbine cleaning?

Turbine blades can suffer from fouling, leading to decreased efficiency and even failure. CO2 blasting is a popular method of cleaning, using high-pressure frozen pellets to remove deposits without damaging the blades. The process is flexible, non-toxic, and leaves no mess. Fouling on turbine blades can have a significant adverse effect on their performance and […]

What’s a Francis Turbine?

The Francis turbine is an internal flow reaction turbine that converts the energy of flowing water into electricity. It was invented by James Francis in 1849 and is the most efficient water turbine in the world. Its design uses changing water pressure and the law of conservation of angular momentum to capture the water’s energy […]

What’s an Impulse Turbine?

An impulse turbine uses fixed nozzles to create high-velocity jets of steam, water, or other gases to rotate the turbine shaft. The most common type is the impulse steam turbine, while the Pelton wheel is an impulse water turbine. Impulse turbines range in size from less than one horsepower to over 2 million horsepower and […]

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