Unit – II Turbines.

Overview: This unit consists of seven lectures. In lecture 8 you will be introduced to the
prime movers. We discuss about turbine classification and the principle of working of
impulse turbine with an example. In lecture 9 we discuss about the principle of working
of reaction turbine with an example, we discuss about compounding of turbines, and
study velocity compounding. In lecture 10 we discuss about pressure compounding of
turbines. We also compare the impulse and reaction turbines. In lecture 11 you are
introduced to gas turbines, their classification, principle and working of open cycle gas
turbine. In lecture 12 we discuss about closed cycle gas turbines and compare open and
closed type gas turbines. In lecture 13 you are introduced to water turbines and their
classification. We also discuss the principle of working of Pelton wheel. In lecture 14 we
discuss about Francis and Kaplan turbines.

Objective:
At the end of unit, you should
 be able to define and classify prime movers.
 Understand the construction, operation, application, merits and demerits of
different types .
 Be able to comment on the necessity of compounding of turbines.
 Understand the difference between the working of open and closed cycle gas
turbines.
 Be able to comment on the merits and demerits of impulse and reaction
turbines.
Lecture 8
Objective: We discuss about the prime movers. We discuss about turbine
classification and the principle of working of impulse turbine with an example.

Introduction:
A steam turbine is a mechanical device that extracts thermal energy from
pressurized steam, and converts it into useful mechanical work. A steam turbine is a
prime mover in which rotary motion is obtained by the gradual change of momentum of
the steam. Steam turbines are primarily used to run alternators or generators in thermal
power plants. It is also used to rotate the propeller of ships through reduction gearing.

Main parts of a steam turbine:-

Nozzle :In steam turbines, normally, convergent-divergent type of nozzles is used.
When steam flows through the nozzles, there is a pressure drop, which is converted into
velocity or kinetic energy. The nozzles also guide the steam in the proper direction to
strike the blades. The nozzles are kept very close to the blades to minimize the losses.
Rotor: The rotor or runner consists of a circular disc fixed to a horizontal shaft.
Blade :On the periphery of the rotor, a large no of blades are fixed. The steam jet
from the nozzles impinges on the surface of the blades due to which the rotor rotates.
Casing: It is a steam tight steel casing which encloses the rotor, blades etc. In a
multistage turbine , the casing also accommodates the fixed blades.

Classification of steam turbine : Steam turbines can be classified in to two types.

i) Impulse turbine
ii) Reaction turbine

Single stage impulse turbine (De-Laval).

The pressure energy is converted into velocity energy or kinetic energy by the expansion
of steam through a set of nozzles. Normally, in steam turbines, convergent-divergent
nozzles are used. The kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy with the help
of moving blades, fixed on the rotor. The rotor is connected to the output shaft. All these
parts are enclosed in a casing.

This turbine is not suitable for practical purposes, since high-pressure steam expands in
one set of nozzles and get converted to very high velocity steam, due to this the rotor will
rotate at a very high speed. So in practice, multistage impulse turbines or compound
turbines are used.
Summary: We have discussed about the meaning of “Prime movers”, steam turbines,
and parts of steam turbines. We have discussed about the principle and working of
impulse turbines with an example.

Review questions:
1. What is a steam turbine?
2. What are the applications of a steam turbine?
3. What are the advantages of steam turbine?
4. Define impulse turbine
5. With a neat sketch explain the working of impulse turbine with PV diagram.
Lecture 9
Objective: We discuss about the principle of working of reaction turbine with an
example. We discuss about compounding of turbines, different types of compounding
and study velocity compounding of turbines.

Reaction turbine
The reaction turbine, as the name implies, is turned by reactive force rather than
by a direct push or impulse. In reaction turbines, the blades that project radially from the
periphery of the rotor are formed and mounted so that the spaces between the blades
will have the nozzle shape. Since these blades are mounted on the revolving rotor, they
are called moving blades. Fixed or stationary blades of the same shape as the moving
blades are fastened to the casing in which the rotor revolves. The fixed blades guide the
steam into the moving blade. A reaction turbine is moved by three main forces: (1) the
reactive force produced on the moving blades as the steam increases in velocity as it
expands through the fixed blades. (2) The reactive force produced on the moving
blades when the steam changes its direction.

Compounding of steam turbine: In a single stage turbine the exit velocity is

very high, and also in one stage the steam pressure at inlet is boiler pressure is reduced to
condenser pressure, in such case the rotor speed varies from 20,000 rpm to 30,000 rpm.
Only few machines are designed to run at that greater speed, but most of the machines are
designed to run at few hundreds or thousands of rpm. Practically it is difficult to couple a
generator shaft to a turbine shaft which runs at greater speeds. Hence to reduce the shaft
speed multi stage is done. In multi stage both the pressure and velocity is brought down
to very low, i.e. the exit steam from first turbine is passed to the second turbine, where
the steam pressure decreases further.
The steam from second stage is passed to the third stage and see that the pressure
after number of stages is brought to very low pressure (condenser pressure).
Velocity compounding
1 This is accomplished by an arrangement with alternate rows of fixed blades and
moving blades. The mounted on the casing while the moving blades are keyed in
series on a common shaft. The function of the fixed blades is to correct the direction
of entry of steam to the next row of moving blades.
2 The high velocity steam leaving the nozzles passes on to the 1st row of moving
blades where it suffers a partial velocity drop.
3 Its direction is then corrected by the next row of fixed blades and then it enters the
2nd row of moving blades. Here the steam velocity is again partially reduced. Since
only part of the velocity of the steam is used up in each row of the moving blades, a
slower turbine results. This is how velocity compounding works.

Summary: We discussed about reaction turbines in general and then working of a

reaction turbines with an example. We have discussed the necessity of compounding and
studied how velocity compounding is done.

Review questions:
1. Define reaction turbine?
2. With a neat sketch explain the working of reaction turbine with PV diagram?
3. What is the necessity of compounding in steam turbines?
4. With a suitable sketch explain velocity compounding of steam turbine?
Lecture 10
Objective: We discuss about the pressure compounding of turbines, go through
the differences between impulse and reaction turbines.

Pressure compounding:
1. This is accomplished by an arrangement with alternate rows of nozzles and
moving blades.
2. Steam enters the 1st row of nozzles where it suffers a partial drop of pressure and
in lieu of that its velocity gets increased. The high velocity steam passes on to the
1st row of moving blades where its velocity is reduced.
3. The steam then passes into the 2nd row of nozzles where its pressure is again
partially reduced and velocity is again increased. This high velocity steam passes
from the nozzles to the 2nd row of blades where its velocity is again reduced.
4. Thus pressure drop takes place in successive stages. Since a partial pressure drop
takes place in each stage, the steam velocities will not be so high with the effect
that the turbine will run slower.
Difference between impulse turbine and reaction turbine

Impulse turbine Reaction turbine

Complete expansion of steam takes place in Partial expansion of steam takes place in
the nozzle the fixed blades and further expansion
takes place in the moving blades.
Blades are symmetrical in shape Blades are non symmetrical in shape i.e.,
aerofoil section
The rotor runs at higher speeds The rotor runs at relatively low speed.
The impulse turbines are used for small The reaction turbines are used in large
power generation plant. power generation plant.
Less floor area is required.(small power More floor area is required.(Medium and
plant) large power plant)
The pressure of steam remains constant The pressure of steam drops from inlet to
from inlet to the outlet of the blade. the outlet of the blade

Summary: We have discussed pressure compounding of reaction turbines with the help
of diagrams. We saw how the velocity and pressure vary at different stages. We have
discussed the differences between impulse and reaction turbines.

Review questions:
1. Explain why pressure compounding is required in turbines?
2. What are the advantages of pressure compounding?
3. With a suitable sketch explain pressure compounding of steam turbine?
4. What are the differences between impulse and reaction turbines?
Lecture 11
Objective: You are introduced to gas turbines, their classification, principle and
working of open cycle gas turbine.

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.

Classification of gas turbines

i) Open cycle gas turbine
ii) Closed cycle gas turbine

i) Open cycle gas turbine

The components of open cycle gas turbine are compressor (low or high pressure),
combustion chamber and turbine. The turbine shaft may be connected to a generator to
generate electricity or connected to a propeller to propel the ship. In aircraft engine the
exit gas from a turbine is expanded in a nozzle to propel an aircraft. The figure shows an
open cycle gas turbine.

Working: A compressor which draws air at atmospheric pressure and compress

the air and delivered to a combustion chamber at high pressure. The fuel (liquid or gas) is
injected into a stream of high-pressure air and the combustion takes place in a
combustion chamber. The combustible gases releases tremendous amount of energy,
which is used to rotate a turbine. The exhaust gases from the turbine are led to the
atmosphere. The exit gas from the turbine is not recycled back to the compressor hence it
is known as open cycle gas turbine, In open cycle gas turbine every cycle fresh air enters
the compressor.
Summary: We have discussed about the working principle of gas turbines, classification
of gas turbines based on how the working fluid completes the cycle. We have also
discussed about the working of open cycle gas turbine.

Review questions:
1. What is meant by gas turbine?
2. what are the components of a gas turbine?
3. How do you classify gas turbines?
4. With a neat sketch explain the working of open cycle gas turbine.
Lecture 12
Objective: we discuss about the working of closed cycle gas turbine, discuss the
differences between open cycle and closed cycle gas turbines.

ii) Closed cycle gas turbine

The components of closed cycle gas turbine are compressor (low or high
pressure), heating chamber, turbine and cooler.

The closed cycle gas turbine is as shown in figure. The components of the closed
cycle turbine are compressor, turbine, heat exchanger (cooler) and heat exchanger
(heater). The rotary compressor compresses the air to very high pressure and delivers it to
the heat exchanger, where heat transfer takes place at constant pressure. The high
pressure and temperature gases are then expanded through the turbine doing mechanical
work. The exit gases from the turbine is cooled to ambient temperature in heat exchanger
(cooler), this cooled gases fed back to the rotary compressor for the next cycle. Thus the
same working fluid is circulated through the cycle. The working fluid selected for closed
cycle is helium.

Comparison of open cycle and closed cycle gas turbines:

1. In open cycle gas turbines, the products of combustion directly come in contact with
the turbine. Hence only high quality fuel should be used. In closed cycle gas turbines,
the working fluid absorbs heat from the hot gases in the heating chamber and there is
no mixing of the two fluids. Only the working fluid comes in contact with the turbine
blades and hence any even low quality fuels can be used for producing heat.
2. The closed cycle gas turbine requires a cooling medium, which is usually water.
Large quantities of water are required which necessitates setting up of the plant near
water sources. In open cycle the hot exhaust gases are let to the atmosphere ad there
is no need of any cooling medium.
3. The closed cycle gas turbines require a lot of piping arrangement because there is
indirect heat transfer between the fluids and there is no direct mixing of the fluids.
 But in open cycle gas turbine, less piping arrangement is required because the gases
are directly passed on to the turbine.

Summary: We have discussed about the components and working of closed cycle gas
turbines. We have also discussed about the essential differences between open cycle and
closed cycle gas turbines.

Review questions:
1. With a neat sketch explain the working of closed cycle gas turbine?
2. What are the differences between open cycle and closed cycle gas turbine?
Lecture 13
Objective: You are introduced to water turbines and their classification. We also
discuss the principle of working of Pelton wheel.

Introduction: 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
i) Impulse turbine
ii) Reactio turbine
2. According to the direction of flow of water through the runner
i) Tangential flow
ii) Radial inward flow
iii) Radial outward flow
iv) Axial flow
v) Mixed flow
[Link] to the head under which turbine works
i) High head, Impulse turbine Ex: pelton wheel.
ii) Medium head, reactiion turbine Ex: Francis turbine.
iii) Low head, reaction turbine: Ex: kaplan turbine.
4. According to the specific speed of the turbine
i) Low specific speed turbine, impulse turbine. Ex: pelton wheel.
ii) Medium specific speed, reaction turbine. Ex: Francis turbine.
iii) High specific speed, reaction turbine. Ex: Kaplan turbine
5. According to the position of the shaft
i) Horizontal shaft
ii) Vertical shaft

Impulse turbine
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.

Summary: We have discussed about the principle of water turbines. We have discussed
the classification of water turbines based on different parameters. We have studied the
principle and working of impulse turbine with an example.

Review questions:
1. What is a hydraulic turbine?
2. How do you classify hydraulic turbines?
3. Define impulse turbine.
4. With a suitable sketch explain the working of Pelton turbine.
Lecture 14
Objective: We discuss about reaction turbines - Francis and Kaplan turbines.

Reaction turbines:
Reaction turbines are acted on by water, which changes pressure as it moves
through the turbine and gives up its energy. They must be encased to contain the water
pressure (or suction), or they must be fully submerged in the water flow. Newton's third
law describes the transfer of energy for reaction turbines. Most water turbines in use are
reaction turbines. They are used in low and medium head applications.

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.

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 [Link] 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 [Link] outlet
is a specially shaped draft tube that helps decelerate the water and recover kinetic
[Link] 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.

Comparison of impulse and reaction water turbine:

IMPULSE TURBINE REACTION TURBINE

Available energy is completely converted The available energy is Partially converted
in to kinetic energy in the nozzle in to kinetic energy in the fixed blade and
partially in the moving blades
The water comes out from the nozzle and In reaction turbine, water first enters the
directly impinges on the runner. fixed blades and then enters the moving
blades.
The pressure of the water flowing from The pressure of the water reduces while
inlet to the outlet of runner remains flowing from inlet to the outlet of runner
constant (atmospheric pressure). (less than atmospheric).
Turbine can be installed above the tail race. Turbine is submerged in water below tail
race.
Casing is provided to prevent splashing of Air tight casing is provided to prevent the
water pressure leakage.
Power developed is mainly due to kinetic Power developed is partly by change in
energy. kinetic energy and partly due to pressure
energy.
Impulse turbine requires high head Reaction turbine requires low head.
Summary: We have discussed about two types of reaction turbines - medium head and
low head, with examples. We have also discussed the important differences between
impulse and reaction turbines.

Review questions:
1. With a suitable sketch explain the working of Francis turbine.
2. With a suitable sketch explain the working of Kaplan turbine.
3. What is a draft tube, why it is used in reaction turbines?
4. what are the differences between impulse turbine and reaction turbine.