Turbinaatorid

Turbinaatorid are machines that convert energy carried by a moving fluid into rotational mechanical energy by means of turbine blades. The working fluid—steam, hot gas, water, or air—expands or deflects as it passes through the rotor, imparting impulse to the blades and causing a shaft to rotate. The resulting mechanical energy can drive electrical generators, pumps, compressors, or propulsion devices.

There are several main types of turbinaatorid, categorized by the working fluid and the energy conversion process. Steam turbines use high‑pressure steam, typically in power plants and ships; gas turbines burn fuel to produce hot gases that drive the turbine; hydro turbines extract energy from flowing water, used in dam-based stations; microturbines are compact units used for distributed generation. In aerospace, turbine engines combine multiple turbine stages with compressors.

Design and operation considerations include efficiency, which depends on blade design, materials, and thermodynamic cycle; cooling for high‑temperature stages; lubrication of bearings; vibration and blade‑tip clearance; and maintenance needs. Reliability and safety are critical because turbine systems operate under high speeds, pressures, and temperatures.

History and development began in the late 19th century with steam turbine experiments and culminated in the practical Parsons turbine; since then, turbines have become central to electricity generation and modern propulsion. See also turbine, turbine engine, hydroelectricity, combined cycle.