Turbíny

Turbíny are rotary mechanical devices that extract energy from a fluid flow and convert it into useful work. This work is typically in the form of rotational motion, which can then be used to drive other machinery, such as generators to produce electricity. The fundamental principle behind a turbine's operation is the transfer of momentum from the moving fluid to the turbine's rotating blades.

There are several common types of turbines, primarily categorized by the working fluid and the mechanism of energy transfer. Hydraulic turbines, for instance, harness the energy of moving water, such as in rivers or reservoirs, to generate electricity in hydroelectric power plants. Steam turbines use high-pressure steam, often produced by burning fossil fuels or nuclear reactions, to drive generators. Gas turbines, commonly found in aircraft engines and power generation, utilize hot combustion gases to spin a rotor. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind directly into electrical energy.

The design of a turbine varies significantly depending on its application. Key components typically include a casing, a rotor with blades or buckets, and a shaft. The fluid enters the turbine and interacts with the blades, causing the rotor to spin. The efficiency of a turbine is a crucial performance metric, indicating how effectively it converts the fluid's energy into mechanical work. Factors influencing efficiency include blade design, fluid flow rate, and operating pressure. Turbines are essential components in many industrial processes and are vital for global energy production.