Turbinele

Turbinele, the Romanian term for turbines, are machines that extract energy from a moving fluid and convert it into mechanical work. They typically consist of a rotating shaft fitted with blades inside a casing and are driven by steam, gas, water, or wind. Turbinele are central to power generation, propulsion, and industrial drives.

There are several main types. Steam turbines use high‑pressure steam from a boiler to spin the rotor. Gas turbines burn fuel in a compressor–combustor–turbine sequence to generate hot gases that drive the turbine. Water turbines, used in hydropower, convert water’s potential or kinetic energy into rotation and include impulse (Pelton) and reaction (Francis, Kaplan) designs. Wind turbines capture wind energy with blades and generate electricity, often via a geared or direct‑drive generator.

The general principle is to transfer momentum or pressure from the fluid to the blades, turning the shaft that drives a generator or other machinery. Impulse turbines rely on the fluid’s momentum; reaction turbines rely on pressure differences along the blade stages. Design factors include blade aerodynamics, materials, cooling, noise, and control systems. Modern turbines employ blade pitch control and, in wind machines, variable speed or direct‑drive configurations to optimize efficiency.

Applications include electric power generation, aircraft and ship propulsion in the case of gas turbines, and mechanical drives for pumps and compressors. In energy systems, turbines are paired with generators in steam and gas plants, or form the core of wind and hydroelectric facilities.

Environmental considerations depend on the energy source; turbines tend to reduce emissions when powered by renewables or natural gas rather than coal.