[6.

2]Steam turbine
A steam turbine is a prime-mover which converts
the thermal energy of pressurized steam into
mechanical work . The steam turbine depends
totally on the dynamic action of steam.

Working Principle:-The high pressure steam is

allowed to expand to a lower pressure in perfectly
shaped passage called nozzles. The nozzles are
attached to the stationary part of the turbine called
“stator” or casing . In the nozzle steam is expanded
and heat energy is converted into kinetic energy.
 The steam with higher velocity now flows over a
set of curved blades. These curved blades are
attached to the periphery of a wheel called rotor
which is keyed to the rotor shaft.

On gliding over the curved blades, the steam

particles undergoes a change in the direction of
motion. This causes a change in its momentum.
The change in momentum gives rise to a force.
The force thus developed causes the wheel or
rotor of the turbine shaft to rotate.
 Types of steam turbine:-
There are several classifications for modern
steamturbines:-(A) (1)Impulse Turbine (2)Reaction
Turbine
 (1)Impulse Turbine:- In the Impulse turbine, the steam is
expanded from its initial high pressure to the lowest
pressure in nozzle fixed to the casing. Its pressure does not
change as it moves over the blades. The high velocity steam
glides (passes) over the blades fixed on the periphery of
the rotor. The velocity of steam decreases in the blade ring.
Lost velocity may amount 3 to 4% of nozzle outlet velocity.
Since, all the kinetic energy is absorbed by one ring of the
moving blades, its velocity (i.e. wheel velocity) is to high
varying from 25000 to 30000 rpm.
The De Laval turbine developed by Gustaf De Laval in 1880
accelerated the steam to full speed before running it
against a turbine blade. De Laval's impulse turbine is
simpler, less expensive . It can operate with any pressure of
steam, but is considerably less efficient.
(2)Reaction Turbine:- In reaction turbine, the steam is expanded in
both fixed blades (nozzles) and moving blades. Hence there is a
gradual pressure drop and takes place continuously over the fixed
and moving blades. As the steam passes over the moving blades, its
kinetic energy is absorbed by them. In this turbine, pressure drop is
small per stage, hence number of stages required is much higher
than impulse turbine of the same capacity.
Steam turbines are made in a variety of sizes ranging from small
<0.75 kW used as mechanical drives for pumps, compressors and
other shaft driven equipment, to 1 500 000 kW (1.5 GW) turbines
used to generate electricity.

The modern steam turbine was invented in 1884 by

Sir Charles Parsons, whose first model was connected to a dynamo
that generated 7.5 kW of electricity. The invention of Parsons' steam
turbine made cheap and plentiful electricity possible .
 (B) Depending upon the direction of flow of steam
relative to the axis of turbine shaft, the steam
turbine can be classified as :-
(1) Axial Flow Turbine:- In this type , the steam
flows over the blades in a direction parallel to the
axis of the turbine shaft. Example :- “Parson
Reaction Turbine”.
(2) Radial Flow Turbine:-In this type, the blades are
arranged radially and steam enters at the blade tip
nearest the axis of the wheel and flow towards the
circumference. Example:- “Ljung Reaction Turbine”.
Majority of the turbines are axial flow type.
 Methods of Reducing Wheel or Rotor
speed:-
In a single stage turbine (one ring of stationary nozzle and one ring
of rotating blades), the steam is expanded in a single ring of nozzles
from the boiler pressure down to the exhaust pressure (condenser
pressure), resulting in a extremely high velocity of the order of
30,000 rpm. With such a turbine , the blade tip stresses and the
disc friction losses will be very high, resulting in low efficiencies.
In thermal power stations where the generators usually run at 3000
to 3600 rpm, single stage turbine is undesirable.
To get reasonable blade speeds in turbine, the method known as
compounding is employed. In this method, a number of rotors in
series, keyed on the same shaftare used and the pressure or jet
velocity absorbed in stages (steps) as it flows over the moving
blades.
 There are three types of compounding:-
(1)Velocity compounding
(2)Pressure compounding
(3) Combined Velocity- pressure compounding.
 Steam in Moving blades

Fixed blades

Lost velocity

Initial steam velocity

Boiler pressure Condenser pressure
 (1)Velocity compounding
In this method steam is expanded from boiler
pressure to condenser pressure in one set of
stationary blades or nozzles. So the kinetic energy
of steam increases due to increase in velocity.
However the total kinetic energy is absorbed not
in one but in number of rows of moving blades.
With a row of fixed guide blades between every
pair of moving blades the steam passes. The
function of the fixed blades is to redirect the
steam to the following next row of moving blades.
Since the pressure remains constant as the steam
flows over the blades , hence the turbine is an
impulse turbine. Such an impulse turbine is known
as “Curtis stage”.
 Steam in Moving blades

Steam out

Fixed blades

Stage 2
Stage 1

Lost velocity

Initial steam velocity Condenser pressure

Boiler pressure
 (2)Pressure compounding
This type is equivalent to no of simple impulse in series.
The pressure drop occurring in each stage is only a portion
of total pressure drop. This method of compounding is
known as “Rateau turbine”.
The steam at boiler pressure enters the first set
of nozzles and expands partially. This kinetic energy of
steam thus obtained is absorbed by moving blades (stage-
1). The steam then expands partially in in the 2nd set of
nozzles (fixed blades) where the pressure again falls and
the velocity increases. The kinetic energy so obtained is
absorbed by the 2nd ring of movingblades (stage-2). This is
repeated in subsequent stages and steam finally leaves
the turbine at low velocity and pressure.
 Steam in Moving blades

Steam out

Fixed blades

Lost velocity

Initial steam velocity Condenser pressure

Boiler pressure
 (3) Combined velocity – pressure compounding:-
This method of compounding is the combination of
both type of compoundindg discussed above. The
overall pressure drop of steam is divided into stages
and velocity attained in each stage is also
compounded. The rings of nozzles (fixed blades) are
fixed at the beginning of each stage and pressure
remains constant during each stage.

Since the pressure remains constant during each

stage , this type of turbine is an impulse turbine.
This method of compounding is used in “Curtis”
turbine.
 (A)IMPULSE TURBINE

Velocity Diagrams for Moving Blade:-

The following nomenclature will be adopted when
dealing with the blade problems :- v=Linear velocity of
the moving blade
Vi =Absolute velocity of steam entering
moving blade in m/s
Vo= Absolute velocity of steam leaving moving blade in
m/s
Vwi=Velocity of whirl at entrance of moving blade
=tangential component of Vi
Vwo=Velocity of whirl at exit of moving blade =tangential
component of Vo
Vfi =Velocity of flow at entrance of moving blade =axial
component of Vi
 Vwi
v
θ
α Vri
Vi Vfi

Vro Vo β Vfo
φ
v Vwo
Vfo =Velocity of flow at exit of moving blade =axial component of Vo
Vri=Relative velocity of steam to moving blade at entrance
Vro=Relative velocity of steam to moving blade at exit
α= angle entering steam makes with tangent of wheel at entrance
of moving blade = exit angle of fixed blade. This is also called
“Nozzle angle”.
β=angle discharging steam makes with tangent of wheel at exit of
moving blade = entrance angle of fixed blade
θ=entrance angle of
moving blade
φ=exit angle of moving blade
m=mass of steam flowing over blades in kg/s
Q=Volume of steam flowing over blades in m3/s
d=diameter of blade in m
**if there is no frictional loss at the blade , then Vri=Vro
(i)The tangential component does work on the
blade, as it is in the same direction as the
motion of the blade.
(ii)The
axial component of the entering steam jet
does not work on the blade because it is
perpendicular to the direction of the blade,s
motion. This causes the steam to flow through
the turbine.
The velocity of flow
causes an axial thrust on the rotor.
 (1)Work done on the Blade:-
The work done on the blade turbine may be found by considering
the change in momentum of steam jet as it passes over the blade.
From Newton’s 2 nd
law of motion:-
Tangential force on the wheel=rate of change of
momentum=m(Vwi-Vwo) …….(i)
Work done on the blade per sec=force x displacement= m(Vwi-
Vwo) xv…………..(ii)
Power= m(Vwi-Vwo) xv/1000 …………………………….(iii)
(2)Energy supplied to the blades:-
=kinetic energy of the jet at entrance=m.Vi2/2…………………………(iv)
(3)Nozzle efficiency:-If (h1-h2) is the heat drop passing through the
nozzle, then Nozzle efficiency =Vi 2/2(h1-h2)………………..(v)
 (4)Blade or diagram Efficiency:= work done on the
blade/Energy supplied to the blade
=
m(Vwi-Vwo) xv/ m.Vi2/2
=2v(Vwi-Vwo)/Vi 2
……………………….(vi)
(5)Stage Efficiency:-
µstage =work done on the blade per kg of steam/Total
energy supplied per kg of steam =(Vwi+Vwo) xv/(h1-
h2)
= [(Vwi+Vwo) xv/(h1-h2)] x2Vi 2/2Vi2
=[2(Vwi+Vwo) xv/ Vi2 ] x [ Vi2/2(h1-h2) ]
= Blade efficiency x Nozzle efficiency
 (6)Blade speed Ratio:- Blade speed/steam
speed =v/Vi
(7) Axial force on the wheel := Fa =m(Vfi-Vfo)
The axial thrust on the wheel must be balanced
or taken by a thrust bearing.
(8)Blade velocity Co-efficient:- It is the ratio of
relative velocity of steam at outlet to the
relative velocity at inlet, denoted by K.
K=Vro/Vri
(9)Energy converted to heat by blade Friction:
=Loss of kinetic energy during flow over blades
=m(Vri2-Vro2)/2
 Problem(1)
(a)What is a turbine ? how does it differ from
steam engine?...............(5)
(b)Steam is supplied to an impulse turbine at
800 m/s from the nozzle at an angle of 200 to the
plane of rotation. The blades are equiangular and
have a velocity of 0.8. Assuming blade speed ratio
to beo.45, calculate (i)blade angles (ii)blade
efficiency and (iii)stage efficiency if nozzle
efficiency is 90%............................(15)

(R.U. 2006-10 batch)

 Ans:- (a)Steam turbine is a prime-mover which
converts the heat energy of steam (contained in
steam by virtue of high temperature & pressure)
into mechanical work. The steam turbine depends
totally on the dynamic action of steam.
Advantages of steam turbine over steam Engine:-
(1) The thermal efficiency of a steam turbine is
much higher than that of a steam engine.
(2) Very high speeds and a wide range of speeds are
possible.
(3) Due to absence of reciprocating parts (as in the
case of steam engine) theoretically a perfect
balance is possible with steam turbine.
(4) The power generation in a steam turbine is at
uniform rate, therefore no necessity of flywheel
is felt.
(5) Steam consumption does not increase with
the years of service.
(6) No internal lubrication is required as there is
no rubbing parts in steam turbine.
(7) In steam turbine there there is no loss due to
initial condensation of steam.
(8) Steam turbine possess enormous amount of
power per unit of mass.
 (b)Solution:- According to the question:Vi =Absolute velocity of steam
entering moving blade=800 m/s
α=Nozzle angle =200
velocity Co-efficient, K=Vro/Vri =0.8
Blade speed Ratio:- Blade speed/steam speed =v/Vi
=0.45 Blades are equiangular, θ=φ

Nozzle efficiency=0.90
To determine:- (i)blade angles (ii)bade efficiency and (iii)stage efficiency

(i)blade angles
v/Vi =0.45 hence, v=0.45xVi =0.45x800=360 m/s
Vwi=Vi.cosα = 800.cos200 =752 m/s
Vfi=Vi.sinα =800.sin200 =274 m/s
tanθ=Vfi/(Vwi-v) =274/(752-360),
θ=34.950 =φ
-
 Vwi
v
θ
α Vri
Vi Vfi

Vro Vo β Vfo
φ
v Vwo
 (ii)bade efficiency:-
Vri=√[(Vwi-v)2-Vfi2 ] ==√[(752-360)2-2742 ] =478
m/s Vro/Vri =0.8 ,
Vro=0.8xVri =0.8x478
Vwo= Vro cosφ-v
=0.8x478xcos34.95-360= -46.8 m/s

Blade efficiency=2v(Vwi-Vwo)/Vi2
=2x360(752+46.8)/8002 =0.90 i.e. 90%
(iii)stage efficiency= Blade efficiency x Nozzle
efficiency=0.90x0.90
=0.81 i.e.90%
 Problem(2) (a) Distinguish between Impulse &
reaction turbine. …………..(5)
(b)The blade speed of a single ring impulse blading
is 250 m/s and nozzle angle is 200. The heat drop is
550 kJ/kg and nozzle efficiency is 0.85. The blade
discharge angle is 300 and the machine develops
30 kw, when consuming 360 kg of steam per hour.
Draw the velocity diagram and calculate :- (i)The
axial thrust on the blading (ii)The heat equivalent
per kg of steam friction of the blading…….(15)

(R.U.- 2007-11 batch)

 Ans: (a) Difference between Impulse and Reaction Turbine:-
S.No. Particulars Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine

1 Pressure Only in nozzles not In fixed blades (nozzles) as

drop in well as in moving blades
moving blades
2 Area of constant Varying(converging type)
blade
channels

3 Admission Not all round All round

of steam

4 Nozzles/ Diaphragm Fixed blades attached to the

fixed contains the nozzle casing serve as nozzles and
blades guide the steam
5 Power Much power can-not be Much power can be
developed developed
6 Space Requires less space for Requires more space for
same power same power
7 Efficiency low high

8 Suitability Suitable for small power Suitable for medium and

requirement high power requirement

9 Blade Not difficult Difficult

manufature
b)Solution:- According to the question:-
Blade speed,
v=250 m/s, nozzle angle, α=200, heat drop (h1-
h2) =550 kJ/kg Blade discharge angle,
φ=300, power developed by the machine =30 kw
steam consumption= 360
kg/h, nozzle efficiency =0.85 To determine:-
(i)The axial thrust on the blading (ii)The heat
equivalent per kg of steam friction of the blading
 Vwi
v
θ
α Vri
Vi Vfi

Vro Vo β Vfo
φ
v Vwo
Nozzle efficiency =Vi2/2(h1-h2)
0.85=Vi2/2x550x103 Vi=√[0.85x2x550x103] =967
m/s Vwi=Vicosα =967xcos20 0 =909
m/s Vfi=Visinα
=967xsin200 =331 m/s
Power= m(Vwi+Vwo) xv/1000
30=(360/60x60)[(909+Vwo)x250]/1000
Vwo=291 m/s
Now,
Vroxcosφ =v+Vwo =250+291=541
Vro= =541/cosφ =541/cos30 0 =625 m/s
Vfo= =Vro sinφ
=625xsin300 =312.5 m/s
Vri =√[(Vwi-v) 2 +Vfi2]
=√[(909-
250)2 +3312] =737 m/s
(i)The axial thrust on the blading,
Fa= m(Vfi-Vfo)

=(360/60x60)(331-312.5) =1.85 N
(ii)The heat equivalent per kg of steam friction of the
blading
Energy converted to heat by blade friction =Loss of kinetic
energy during flow over blades =mx(Vri2-Vro2)/2

=(7372-6252)x1/2
=76272 N-m

=76272 J

=76.27 KJ