Introduction to Radial Turbines — Lesson 1

This lesson covers the fundamentals of turbomachinery aerodynamics, focusing on radial flow turbines. It delves into the different types of turbomachines, their working principles, and their applications. The lesson also discusses the thermodynamics and aerodynamics of radial flow turbines, including the introduction to different types of radial flow turbines, their working, and the calculation of losses in these turbines. It further explains the history of radial flow turbines, their development, and modern versions. The lesson also provides a detailed discussion on the blade shapes and geometries of radial flow turbines. It concludes with an analysis of the flow as it passes through the turbine, the governing equations, and the methods of calculating or estimating losses.

Video Highlights

01:13 - Explanation of the thermodynamics and aerodynamics of radial flow turbines.
08:27 - Discussion on the velocity triangles at the inlet and exit of the rotor.
31:52 - Explanation of the concept of spouting velocity in the analysis of radial flow turbines.
45:46 - Discussion on the different sources of losses in radial flow turbines and their impact on efficiency.

Key Takeaways

- Radial flow turbines are contrary to axial turbines, with inflow and exit flow being radial.
- The history of radial flow turbines dates back to the mid-1800s, with the development of outward flow turbines and inward flow turbines.
- The thermodynamics and aerodynamics of radial flow turbines involve detailed discussions on the types of radial flow turbines, their working, and the calculation of losses.
- The efficiency of radial flow turbines can be calculated using different parameters, including the spouting velocity definition.
- The losses in radial flow turbines can be estimated using general loss mechanisms and components of losses.