What best describes the operating principle of an impulse turbine?

What best describes the operating principle of an impulse turbine?

• A. Pressure remains constant throughout
• B. Velocity increases as steam passes over blades
• C. Energy is extracted through pressure drop
• D. Steam expands in a controlled manner

Answer: (B)

The operating principle of an impulse turbine primarily revolves around the conversion of the kinetic energy of steam into mechanical energy. In an impulse turbine, high-velocity steam is directed through nozzles, creating a jet of steam that strikes the turbine blades. As the steam passes over these blades, its velocity increases, imparting momentum to the blades, which drives the turbine rotor. This process is distinct because it mainly relies on the high-speed impact of the steam on the blades rather than a change in pressure. The velocity increase of steam as it exits the nozzles is critical for effective energy transfer, making this description apt for characterizing the functioning of an impulse turbine. The design of the nozzles is specifically made to accelerate the steam, harnessing its kinetic energy to facilitate rotation. Understanding this principle is vital for comprehending how impulse turbines operate and their efficiency in converting thermal energy into mechanical work.

The operating principle of an impulse turbine primarily revolves around the conversion of the kinetic energy of steam into mechanical energy. In an impulse turbine, high-velocity steam is directed through nozzles, creating a jet of steam that strikes the turbine blades. As the steam passes over these blades, its velocity increases, imparting momentum to the blades, which drives the turbine rotor.

This process is distinct because it mainly relies on the high-speed impact of the steam on the blades rather than a change in pressure. The velocity increase of steam as it exits the nozzles is critical for effective energy transfer, making this description apt for characterizing the functioning of an impulse turbine. The design of the nozzles is specifically made to accelerate the steam, harnessing its kinetic energy to facilitate rotation.

Understanding this principle is vital for comprehending how impulse turbines operate and their efficiency in converting thermal energy into mechanical work.