turbina

Turbina, or turbine, is a machine that converts the energy contained in a moving fluid into useful work by turning a shaft. Turbines operate on gases, steam, or liquids such as water. They are designed with a rotor bearing blades or vanes that extract momentum from the fluid, producing torque and rotating mechanical energy that can drive generators, pumps, or propulsion devices.

Common types are steam turbines, which expand high-pressure steam; gas turbines, which burn fuel to produce high-temperature gases; hydraulic or water turbines, which extract energy from flowing water in rivers or dams; and wind turbines, which harness wind energy through aerodynamic blades.

Basic construction includes a rotor with blades, a stationary part (stator), a casing, bearings, lubrication, and a control system. The operating principle differs: impulse turbines convert fluid momentum into shaft work with no significant change in pressure; reaction turbines rely on both pressure and velocity changes. In most power plants, the turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.

History: The concept dates to early steam engines, with the first practical steam turbine developed by Charles Parsons in the 1880s, accelerating electricity generation. Subtypes such as Pelton (impulse), Francis (mixed-flow reaction) and Kaplan (axial-flow reaction) expand efficiency for different head and flow conditions.

Today turbines are central to power generation and propulsion. Steam turbines dominate thermal power plants, gas turbines are common in aviation and electricity generation, hydraulic turbines in hydro plants, and wind turbines in renewable energy. Environmental and economic factors influence turbine design, efficiency, and maintenance.