Steam Turbine
A turbine driven by steam expansion through the blades of the turbine.
Steam turbines of type SST-6000 can be used in combined cycle and steam power plants and provides a power output from 300 to 1200 megawatts (MW).The photo shows the LP rotor for an SST5-6000 steam turbine at Muelheim plant. The turbine was delivered to the Paition steam power plant in Indonesia. Copyright Siemens AG, Munich/Berlin
The higher the main steam temperature, when accompanied by a corresponding increase in main steam pressure, the better the cycle efficiency.
- Super Critical is a thermal cycle with a main steam temperature of less than 1,112°F (600°C) operating at pressures between 3,208 and 4,000 psia.
- Ultra Super Critical is a thermal cycle with a maximum steam temperature greater than 1,112°F (600°C) operating at pressures higher than 4,000 psia.
- Advanced Ultra Super Critical is a thermal cycle with a steam temperature of 1,300°F (705°C) or greater.
In order to be able to run at higher steam temperature and pressures the turbine blades need better creep strength and improved oxidation resistance.
Historical Notes
- 1884 Sir Charles Parsons patents the steam turbine.
- 1894 Turbinia is the first steam turbine powered ship.
- 1908 The first steam turbine rail locomotive was built for the Officine Meccaniche Miani Silvestri Grodona Comi, Milan, Italy.
Reference
J. Zachary, P. Kochis, R. Narula, "Steam Turbine Design Considerations for Supercritical Cycles", Coal Gen 2007
See also: Engine, Parsons, Charles Algernon, Steam, Steam Engine, Turbine.
Subjects: Engines