A single shaft turbine refers to a turbine design in which multiple turbine stages are mounted on a single central shaft to drive a single generator or load. In this article, we will discuss the working principle, advantages, applications and other key aspects of these turbines.
Working Principle
A single shaft turbine typically consists of a number of Single-shaft Turbine stages mounted on a single shaft. Each turbine stage comprises of stationary nozzle guide vanes and rotating turbine blades. In the first turbine stage, high pressure steam from the boiler enters the stationary nozzle guide vanes. These vanes direct the steam jets onto the rotating turbine blades in an angled direction, causing them to spin.
The steam then exits the first stage and enters the next set of stationary nozzle guide vanes and rotating turbine blades. This process continues through multiple turbine stages, with the steam gradually decreasing in pressure and temperature. In the final stage, the low pressure exhaust steam leaves the turbine and enters the condenser.
The rotational motion of the turbine shaft is transmitted to the generator or load through a coupling, which generates electricity or performs mechanical work. In a single shaft design, all turbine stages draw torque from a common shaft to drive a single generator/load vs separate shafts for each stage.
The single shaft turbine architecture provides an economically viable solution for a wide range of small to medium scale power generation and mechanical drive applications. Its compactness, ease of operation and reduced cost make it an attractive proposition, particularly if space is at a premium. With proper design of steam conditions and turbine blading, high thermodynamic performance can be achieved from such units.
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