WATER TURBINE Meaning and
Definition
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A water turbine is a mechanical device designed to convert the kinetic energy of moving water into rotational mechanical energy. It is commonly used in hydropower systems to generate electricity. The turbine operates on the principle of Bernoulli's principle and Newton's third law of motion.
The water turbine consists of various components such as blades or buckets, a rotor, a shaft, and a generator. The flowing water exerts pressure on the blades, causing them to rotate. This rotation, in turn, transfers mechanical energy to the rotor and the shaft. The rotational motion of the shaft is then used to power an electrical generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
There are different types of water turbines, including impulse and reaction turbines. Impulse turbines use the force of the moving water's kinetic energy alone, such as Pelton and Turgo turbines. Reaction turbines, on the other hand, utilize both kinetic energy and pressure energy of the water, such as Francis and Kaplan turbines.
Water turbines have various applications, ranging from small-scale installations for individual homes and farms to large-scale hydroelectric power plants. They are considered a renewable energy source as they rely on the natural flow of water. Water turbines offer a sustainable way to harness the power of water, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a cleaner and greener energy future.
Etymology of WATER TURBINE
The word "turbine" originates from the Latin word "turbo", meaning "whirling" or "rapidly rotating". In the 19th century, it was applied to machines that convert the energy of a moving fluid (such as water, steam, or gas) into mechanical energy through rotation. The term "water turbine" specifically refers to a turbine that uses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate power. The word "water" itself originates from the Old English word "waeter", which has Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots.
