Which type of turbine is designed for higher efficiency with lower pressure at the exhaust?

Which type of turbine is designed for higher efficiency with lower pressure at the exhaust?

• A. Impulse turbine
• B. Reaction turbine
• C. Curtis turbine
• D. Velocity turbine

Answer: (B)

The reaction turbine is designed to operate efficiently at lower exhaust pressures compared to other types of turbines. This is achieved through its unique design, which utilizes both the pressure and kinetic energy of the fluid. In a reaction turbine, the blades are shaped so that they interact with the fluid to create lift, resulting in the generation of torque as the fluid passes over the blades. This type of turbine is particularly advantageous in applications where the steam or gas is at a lower pressure before it enters the turbine, allowing for an efficient energy conversion process even under these conditions. The continuous interaction between the fluid and the blades ensures that energy is extracted throughout the expansion process, leading to higher overall efficiency. In contrast, the impulse turbine primarily relies on the momentum of the fluid—that is, it converts pressure energy into kinetic energy through a nozzle, which means it typically requires higher pressures at the inlet for effective operation. Other types, such as the Curtis and velocity turbines, may share characteristics with the impulse or reaction designs but do not specifically cater to the same low-pressure efficiency needs as the reaction turbine does.

The reaction turbine is designed to operate efficiently at lower exhaust pressures compared to other types of turbines. This is achieved through its unique design, which utilizes both the pressure and kinetic energy of the fluid. In a reaction turbine, the blades are shaped so that they interact with the fluid to create lift, resulting in the generation of torque as the fluid passes over the blades.

This type of turbine is particularly advantageous in applications where the steam or gas is at a lower pressure before it enters the turbine, allowing for an efficient energy conversion process even under these conditions. The continuous interaction between the fluid and the blades ensures that energy is extracted throughout the expansion process, leading to higher overall efficiency.

In contrast, the impulse turbine primarily relies on the momentum of the fluid—that is, it converts pressure energy into kinetic energy through a nozzle, which means it typically requires higher pressures at the inlet for effective operation. Other types, such as the Curtis and velocity turbines, may share characteristics with the impulse or reaction designs but do not specifically cater to the same low-pressure efficiency needs as the reaction turbine does.