Steam and Gas Turbines

CHAPTER 6: STEAM AND GAS TURBINES

6.1 Introduction:
Steam and gas turbines are power generating machines in which the pressure energy of the
fluid is converted into mechanical energy. This conversion is due to the dynamic action of fluid
flowing over the blades. These blades are mounted on the periphery of a rotating wheel in the radial
direction. Today the steam turbine stands as one of the most important prime movers for power
generation. It converts thermal energy into mechanical work by expanding high pressure and high
temperature steam. The thermal efficiency of steam turbine is fairly high compared to steam engine.
The uniform speed of steam turbine at wide loads makes it suitable for coupling it with generators,
centrifugal pumps, centrifugal gas compressors, etc.
6.2 Classification of Steam Turbines:
Based on the action of steam on blades, steam turbines are classified into impulse turbines and
reaction turbines (or impulse reaction turbines).
6.2.1 Impulse Steam Turbine: Impulse or impetus means sudden tendency of action without reflexes.
A single-stage impulse turbine consists of a set of nozzles and moving blades as shown in figure 6.1.
High pressure steam at boiler pressure enters the nozzle and expands to low condenser pressure in the
nozzle. Thus, the pressure energy is converted into kinetic energy increasing the velocity of steam. The
high velocity steam is then directed on a series of blades where the kinetic energy is absorbed and
converted into an impulse force by changing the direction of flow of steam which gives rise to a
change in momentum and therefore to a force. This causes the motion of blades. The velocity of steam
decreases as it flows over the blades but the pressure remains constant, i.e. the pressure at the outlet
side of the blade is equal to that at the inlet side. Such a turbine is termed as impulse turbine.
Examples: De-Laval, Curtis, Moore, Zoelly, Rateau etc.

Fig. 6.1 Impulse turbine

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Steam and Gas Turbines

6.2.2 Impulse Reaction Steam Turbine: In the impulse reaction turbine, power is generated by the
combination of impulse action and reaction by expanding the steam in both fixed blades (act as
nozzles) and moving blades as shown in figure 6.2. Here the pressure of the steam drops partially in
fixed blades and partially in moving blades. Steam enters the fixed row of blades, undergoes a small
drop in pressure and increases in velocity. Then steam enters the moving row of blades, undergoes a
change in direction and momentum (impulse action), and a small drop in pressure too (reaction),
giving rise to increase in kinetic energy. Hence, such a turbine is termed as impulse reaction turbine.
Examples: Parson, Ljungstrom etc.

Fig. 6.2 Impulse reaction turbine

6.3 Difference between Impulse and Reaction Turbines:
The differences between impulse and reaction turbines are as follows:
Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine
 Complete expansion of the steam take place in  Partial expansion of the steam takes place in
the nozzle, hence steam is ejected with very the fixed blade (acts as nozzle) and further
high kinetic energy. expansion takes place in the rotor blades.
 Blades are symmetrical in shape.  Blades are non-symmetrical in shape, i.e.
aerofoil section.
 Pressure remains constant between the ends of  Pressure drops from inlet to outlet of the
the moving blade. Hence relative velocity moving blade. Hence relative velocity
remains constant i.e., V r 1 =V r 2 increases from inlet to outlet i.e., V r 2 >V r 1
 Steam velocity at the inlet of machine is very  Steam velocity at the inlet of machine is
high, hence needs compounding. moderate or low, hence doesn’t need
compounding.
 Blade efficiency is comparatively low.  Blade efficiency is high.

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Steam and Gas Turbines

 Few number of stages required for given  More number of stages required for given
pressure drop or power output, hence machine pressure drop or power output, hence machine
is compact. is bulky.
 Used for small power generation.  Used for medium and large power generation.
 Suitable, where the efficiency is not a matter of  Suitable, where the efficiency is a matter of
fact. fact.

6.4 Need for Compounding of Steam Turbines:

Question No 6.1: What is the need for compounding in steam turbines? Discuss any two methods of
compounding. (VTU, Jul/Aug-05, Dec-06/Jan-07, Dec-09/Jan-10, Dec-13/Jan-14)
Answer: If the steam pressure drops from boiler pressure to condenser pressure in a single stage, exit
velocity of steam from the nozzle will become very high and the turbine speed will be of the order of
30,000 rpm or more. As turbine speed is proportional to steam velocity, the carryover loss or leaving
loss will be more (10% to 12%). Due to this very high speed, centrifugal stresses are developed on the
turbine blades resulting in blade failure. In order to overcome all these difficulties it is necessary to
reduce the turbine speed by the method of compounding. Compounding is the method of reducing
blade speed for a given overall pressure drop.
6.5 Methods of Compounding of Steam Turbine:
Question No 6.2: What are the various methods of compounding of steam turbines? Explain any
one of them. (VTU, Jul/Aug-02)
Answer: Following are the methods of compounding of steam turbines:
1. Velocity compounding
2. Pressure compounding
3. Pressure and velocity compounding
6.5.1 Velocity Compounding:
Question No 6.3: Explain with the help of a schematic diagram a two row velocity compounded
turbine stage. (VTU, Jan/Feb-05, Jul-06, Dec-12)
Answer: A simple velocity compounded impulse turbine is shown in figure 6.3. It consists of a set of
nozzles and a rotating wheel fitted with two or more rows of moving blades. One row of fixed blades
fitted between the rows of moving blades. The function of the fixed blade is to direct the steam coming
from the first row of moving blades to the next row of moving blades without appreciable change in
velocity.
Steam from the boiler expands completely in the nozzle, hence whole of the pressure energy converts
into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of steam gained in the nozzle is successively absorbed by rows

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Steam and Gas Turbines

of moving blades and steam is exited from the last row axially with very low velocity. Due to this, the
rotor speed decreases considerably. The velocity compounded impulse turbine is also called the Curtis
turbine stage.

Fig. 6.3 Two stage velocity compounded impulse turbine.

6.5.2 Pressure Compounding:
Question No 6.4: Explain briefly a two stage pressure compounded impulse turbine and show the
pressure and velocity variations across the turbine. (VTU, Jul-07, May/Jun-10, Dec-12)
Answer: If a number of simple impulse stages arranged in series is known as pressure compounding.
The arrangement contains one set of nozzles (fixed blades) at the entry of each row of moving blades.
The total pressure drop doesn’t take place in the first row of nozzles, but divided equally between all
the nozzles as shown in figure 6.4.

Fig. 6.4 Two stage pressure compounded impulse turbine.

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Steam and Gas Turbines

The steam from the boiler is passed through the first set of nozzles in which it is partially
expanded. Steam then passes over the first row of moving blades where almost all its velocity is
absorbed. This completes expansion of steam in one stage. In the next stage, steam again enters the
second set of nozzles and partially expands and enters the moving blades. Again the steam velocity is
absorbed. This process continues till steam reaches the condenser pressure. Due to pressure
compounding, smaller transformation of heat energy into kinetic energy takes place. Hence steam
velocities become much lower and rotor speed decrease considerably. The pressure compounded
impulse turbine is also called the Rateau turbine stage.
6.5.3 Pressure-Velocity Compounding:
Question No 6.5: Explain with a neat sketch pressure-velocity compounding. (Dec-06/Jan-07, Jun/Jul-
13)
Answer: If pressure and velocity are both compounded using two or more number of stages by having
a series arrangement of simple velocity compounded turbines on the same shaft, it is known as
pressure-velocity compounding. In this type of turbine both pressure compounding and velocity
compounding methods are used. The total pressure drop of the steam is dividing into two stages and
the velocity obtained in each stage is also compounded. Pressure drop occurs only in nozzles and
remains constant in moving and fixed blades. As pressure drop is large in each stage only a few stages
are necessary. This makes the turbine more compact than the other two types. Pressure-velocity
compounding is used in Curtis turbine.

Fig. 6.5 Pressure-velocity compounded impulse turbine.

6.6 Efficiencies of Steam Turbine:
Question No 6.6: Define and explain (i) blade coefficient (ii) nozzle efficiency (iii) diagram
efficiency (iv) stage efficiency. (VTU, Dec-11, Dec-12)
Answer: Some performance parameters of steam turbines are as follows:
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Steam and Gas Turbines

(i) Blade coefficient: It is also known as nozzle velocity coefficient. The losses in the flow over blades
are due to friction, leakage and turbulence. Blade coefficient is the ratio of the velocity at the exit to
the velocity at the inlet of the blade. i.e.,
V r2 V 2
C b= =
V r1 V 1
(ii) Nozzle efficiency: It is defined as the ratio of actual enthalpy change per kg of steam to the
isentropic enthalpy change per kg of steam. i.e.,
Δh
ηn =
Δh '
For impulse turbine,
1 2
V
2 1
ηn =
Δh'
For reaction turbine the stator efficiency is,
1 2 1 2
V 1− (V r 1−V 2r 2)
2 2
ηp=
Δh '
(iii) Diagram efficiency: It is also known as blade efficiency or rotor efficiency. It is defined as the
ratio of work done per kg of steam by the rotor to the energy available at the inlet per kg of steam. i.e.,
w U ΔV u
ηb = =
ea ea
1 2
For impulse turbine, e a= V 1
2
1 2 1 2 2
For reaction turbine, e a= V 1− (V r 1−V r 2)
2 2
(iv) Stage efficiency: It is defined as the ratio of work done per kg of steam by the rotor to the
isentropic enthalpy change per kg of steam in the nozzle. i.e.,
w
η s=
Δh '
For impulse turbine,
1 2
V
U ΔV u 2 1
η s= ×
1 2 Δh'
V1
2
Or, η s=ηb × ηn
For reaction turbine,

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Steam and Gas Turbines

1 2 1 2 2
V − (V −V r 2)
U ΔV u 2 1 2 r1
η s= ×
1 2 1 2 2 Δh'
V 1 − (V r 1 −V r 2)
2 2
Or, η s=ηb × η p

6.7 De’ Laval Turbine (Single Stage Axial Flow Impulse Turbine):
Question No 6.7: Show that for a single stage axial flow impulse turbine the rotor efficiency is given

2
[
by, ηb =2(φcos α 1−φ ) 1+C b
cos β 2
cos β 1], where C b=
V r2
V r1
, φ is speed ratio, β1 and β2 are rotating blade

angles at inlet and exit, Vr1 and Vr2 are relative velocities at inlet and exit.
(VTU, Feb-06, Jun/Jul-14)
Answer: The combined velocity diagram for an axial flow impulse turbine is as shown in figure 6.6.

Fig. 6.6 Combined velocity diagram for an axial flow impulse turbine
Energy transfer for an axial flow turbine,
e=w=U Δ V u=U (V u 1 +V u 2 )
From velocity diagram, V u 1 +V u 2=x 1+ U + x 2−U=x 1 + x 2
Or, V u 1 +V u 2=V r 1 cos β 1 +V r 2 cos β 2

[
V u 1 +V u 2=V r 1 cos β 1 1+
] [
V r 2 cos β 2
V r 1 cos β 1
=x 1 1+C b
cos β2
cos β1 ]
V r2
Where C b= , blade velocity coefficient
V r1

[
V u 1 +V u 2=( V u 1−U ) 1+ Cb
]
cos β 2
cos β 1
=(V 1 cos α 1−U ) 1+C b
[cos β2
cos β1 ]
Then,

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Steam and Gas Turbines

w=U (V 1 cos α 1−U ) 1+Cb

[ cos β 2
cos β 1 ]
Blade or rotor efficiency is given by,

ηb =
w U (V 1 cos α 1−U )
ea
=
1 2
2
V1
1+C b
cos β 2
cos β 1 [ ]
( )[ ]
U U2 cos β 2
ηb =2 cos α 1− 2 1+ Cb
V1 V1 cos β 1

ηb =2(φcos α 1−φ2) 1+C b

[ cos β 2
cos β 1 ]
U
Where φ= , blade speed ratio
V1
Question No 6.8: Find the condition of maximum blade efficiency in a single stage impulse turbine.
(VTU, Jan/Feb-03)
Answer: The blade efficiency for single stage impulse turbine is given by,

ηb =2(φcos α 1−φ2) 1+C b

[ cos β 2
cos β 1 ]
The variation of blade efficiency vs. speed ratio is shown in figure 6.7.

Fig. 6.7 Variation of blade efficiency vs. speed ratio

The slope for maximum blade efficiency is,
d ηb
=0
dφ

d
dφ { 2
2(φcos α 1−φ ) 1+C b
[
cos β 2
cos β 1
=0
]}
[
2 ( cos α 1−2 φ ) 1+C b
cos β 2
cos β 1]=0

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Steam and Gas Turbines

cos α 1
φ opt =
2
The optimum speed ratio is the speed ratio at which the blade efficiency is the maximum.
Question No 6.9: For a single stage impulse turbine, prove that the maximum blade efficiency is

[ ]
2
cos α 1 cos β2 V r2
given by ηb ,max = 1+C b , where C b= , α1 is speed ratio, β1 and β2 are rotating blade
2 cos β1 V r1
angles at inlet and exit, Vr1 and Vr2 are relative velocities at inlet and exit. (VTU, Dec-08/Jan-09)
Answer: The blade efficiency for single stage impulse turbine is given by,

ηb =2(φcos α 1−φ ) 1+C b

2
[ cos β 2
cos β 1 ]
cos α 1
When φ= , the blade efficiency is the maximum, therefore
2

[( ) ( ) ][ 1+C cos
cos β ]
2
cos α 1 cos α 1 β 2
ηb ,max =2 cos α 1− b
2 2 1

[ ]
2
cos α 1 cos β2
ηb ,max = 1+C b
2 cos β1
Question No 6.10: Prove that the maximum blade efficiency for a single stage impulse turbine with
2
cos α 1
equiangular rotor blades is given by ηb ,max =
2
[ 1+C b ], where α1 is the nozzle angle and Cb is
blade velocity coefficient. (VTU, Dec-10) Or,
Prove that the maximum blade efficiency for a single stage impulse turbine with equiangular rotor
blades is given by ηb ,max =cos2 α 1, where α1 is the nozzle angle. (VTU, Jun/Jul-09, Jun/Jul-13)
Answer: The maximum blade efficiency for a single stage impulse turbine is,

[ ]
2
cos α 1 cos β2
ηb ,max = 1+C b
2 cos β1
For equiangular rotor blades, β1=β2
2
cos α 1
ηb ,max =
2
[ 1+C b ]
If no losses due to friction, leakage and turbulence in the flow over blades, Vr1=Vr2 (i.e. Cb=1)
cos 2 α 1
ηb ,max = [ 1+1 ]
2
ηb ,max =cos2 α 1
Above equation conclude that, if the flow over blades doesn’t have any losses due to friction, leakage
and turbulence then for a single stage impulse turbine with equiangular rotor blades maximum blade
efficiency is same as maximum utilization factor.
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Steam and Gas Turbines

6.8 Curtis Turbine (Velocity Compounded Axial Flow Impulse Turbine):

The velocity diagrams for first and second stages of a Curtis turbine (velocity compounded
impulse turbine) are as shown in figure 6.8. The tangential speed of blade for both the rows is same
since all the moving blades are mounted on the same shaft. Assume equiangular stator and rotors
blades and blade velocity coefficients for stator and rotors are same.
The work done by first row of moving blades is,
w 1=U Δ V u 1=U (V u 1+V u 2 )
From first stage velocity diagram,
V u 1=V 1 cos α 1
And also,
V u 2=x 2−U =V r 2 cos β 2−U
V u 2=C b V r 1 cos β1 −U

( Because β 1=β 2∧V r 2 =Cb V r 1 )

V u 2=C b x1−U =C b ( V u 1−U )−U

( Because V r 1 cos β 1=x 1=V u 1−U )

V u 2=C b ( V 1 cos α 1−U )−U

( Because V u 1=V 1 cos α 1 )

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Steam and Gas Turbines

Fig. 6.8 Velocity diagrams for first and second stages of a Curtis turbine.
Then,
w 1=U ( V 1 cos α 1+C b ( V 1 cos α 1 −U )−U )

w 1=U V 1 cos α 1 +C b U V 1 cos α 1−C b U 2 −U 2

w 1=( 1+C b ) U V 1 cos α 1−( 1+C b ) U 2

w 1=( 1+C b ) [ U V 1 cos α 1−U ]

2

Similarly work done by second stage is,

w 2=( 1+C b ) [ U V 3 cos α 3−U ]

2

w 2=( 1+C b ) [ Cb U V 2 cos α 2 −U 2 ]

( Because α 3=α 2∧V 3=C b V 2 )

w 2=( 1+C b ) [ Cb U V u 2−U 2 ]

( Because V 2 cos α 2=V u 2 )

[
w 2=( 1+C b ) C b U {C b ( V 1 cos α 1−U )−U }−U 2 ]
( Because V u 2=C b ( V 1 cos α 1 −U )−U )

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Steam and Gas Turbines

w 2=( 1+C b ) [ Cb U V 1 cos α 1−C b U −C b U −U ]

2 2 2 2 2

[
w 2=( 1+C b ) C b2 U V 1 cos α 1 −U 2 ( 1+ Cb +C b2 ) ]
The total work done by the Curtis turbine is, w T =w1 +w 2

[
w T = ( 1+ Cb ) [ U V 1 cos α 1−U 2 ] + ( 1+C b ) C b2 U V 1 cos α 1−U 2 ( 1+C b +C b2 ) ]
[
w T = ( 1+ Cb ) ( 1+Cb 2) U V 1 cos α 1−U 2 ( 2+C b+C b2 ) ]
Let , C 'b=( 1+C b ) ( 1+C b2) ∧C }b = left (1+ {C} rsub {b} right ) left (2+ {C} rsub {b} + {{C} rsub {b}} ^ {2} right ¿
Then,
w T =¿
Blade or rotor efficiency is given by,
wT
ηb = =¿ ¿
ea
ηb =2 ¿
ηb =2 ¿
The slope for maximum blade efficiency is,
d ηb
=0
dφ
d
¿
dφ
2¿
φ opt =¿
The maximum blade efficiency is,
ηb ,max =2¿

( ( ))
2
(C 'b ) 2
cos α 1
ηb ,max =2 }} left ({{cos} ^ {2} {α} rsub {1}} over {2} right ) - {{left ({C} rsub {b} rsup {'} right )} ^ {2}} over {{C} rsub {b} rsup {
Cb 4
2
( C'b )
ηb ,max =
C }}
b
left ({{cos} ^ {2} {α} rsub {1}} over {2} right ¿
¿
Note: If blade velocity coefficient, C b=1
Then, C 'b=4 and C }b =¿
For single stage impulse turbine,
w=2 [ U V 1 cos α 1−U 2 ]
cos α 1
φ opt =
2
2
ηb ,max =cos α 1
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Steam and Gas Turbines

For Curtis (two stage velocity compounded) turbine,

w T =4 [ U V 1 cos α 1−2 U ]
2

cos α 1
φ opt =
4
ηb ,max =cos2 α 1
Similarly for ‘n’ stage Curtis (velocity compounded) turbine,
w=2 n [ U V 1 cos α 1−U ]
2

cos α 1
φ opt =
2n
ηb ,max =cos2 α 1
For all Curtis turbines the maximum blade efficiency remains same irrespective of their number of
stages.
6.9 Parson’s Turbine (50% Axial Flow Reaction Turbine):
Question No 6.12: Show that for an axial flow reaction turbine, the degree of reaction is given by

R= ( 2UV ) [ cot β −cot β ] and also show that for axial flow 50% reaction turbine the blade speed is
a
2 1

given by U =V a [ cot β 2−cot β 1 ] , where β1 and β2 are inlet and outlet rotor blade angles. Assume
velocity of flow or axial velocity to be constant. (VTU, Jun-12)
Answer: The combined velocity diagram for an axial flow reaction turbine is as shown in figure 6.9.
From data given in the problem, Va1=Va2=Va.
Degree of reaction for axial flow turbine,
1 2
2
( V r 2−V r 1 ) V 2 −V 2
2
( r2 r1)
R= =
e 2e
From velocity diagram, ( V u 1 +V u 2 )=( x1 +U + x 2−U )
¿ ( x 1+ x2 ) =(V a1 cot β 1+V a 2 cot β 2)

Or, (V u 1 +V u 2)=V a (cot β 1+ cot β2 )

V a2 V
From velocity diagram, sin β 2= ⟹V r 2= a 2
V r2 sin β2
V r 2 =V a cosec β 2
V a1 V a1
Similarly, sin β 1= ⟹V r 1=
V r1 sin β1
V r 1 =V a cosec β 1

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Steam and Gas Turbines

Fig. 6.9 Combined velocity diagram for an axial flow reaction turbine
Then, e=U ( V u 1 +V u 2 ) ⟹ e=UV a (cot β 1 +cot β 2)

And,( V r 2−V r 1 ) =(V a cosec β 2−V a cosec β 1)⟹ ( V r 2−V r 1) =V a (cosec β 2−cosec β 1)
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Therefore,
2 2 2
V a (cosec β 2−cosec β 1)
R=
2UV a (cot β 1+ cot β 2)

V a [( 1+ cot β 2 ) −( 1+cot β 1) ]
2 2

R=
2U (cot β1 +cot β 2 )

V a [( cot 2 β 2 ) −( cot 2 β 1 ) ]
R=
2U (cot β 1+ cot β 2 )
V a [(cot β 2−cot β 1)(cot β 2+ cot β1 )]
R=
2 U (cot β 1 +cot β 2)

R= ( 2UV ) [ cot β −cot β ]

a
2 1

For an axial flow 50% reaction turbine, R=0.5

1 V
( )
0.5= = a [ cot β 2−cot β 1 ]
2 2U
U =V a [ cot β 2−cot β 1 ]
Alternate method:
From velocity diagram, U =V u 1−x 1=V a 1 cot α 1−V a1 cot β 1
For an axial flow 50% reaction turbine, α1=β2 and α2=β1 and also V1=Vr2 and V2=Vr1
U =V a [ cot β 2−cot β 1 ]
Question No 6.13: For a 50% reaction steam turbine, show that α 1=β2 and α2=β1, where α1 and β1
are the inlet angles of fixed and moving blades, α 2 and β2 are the outlet angles of fixed and moving
blades. (VTU, Dec-12)
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Steam and Gas Turbines

Answer: The general equation of degree of reaction for axial flow reaction steam turbine is,

R= ( ) Va
2U
[ cot β 2−cot β 1 ]

R= ( )
Va
2U
[ (cot β 2−cot α 1)+(cot α1−cot β1 )]
From velocity diagram (fig.6.9), U =V u 1−x 1=V a 1 cot α 1−V a1 cot β 1
Assume velocity of flow or axial velocity to be constant, Va1=Va2=Va
U =V a (cot α 1−cot β 1)
Or,
U
=(cot α 1−cot β 1 )
Va
Then,

R=( 2UV )[(cot β −cot α )+ VU ]

a
2 1
a

R= ( )(cot β −cot α )+
1 V a 1
2 1
2 U 2
1
For a 50% reaction steam turbine, R=
2
Therefore, 0=cot β 2−cot α 1 ⇒cot α 1=cot β 2
Or, α 1=β 2
From velocity diagram (fig.6.9), U =x2 −V u 2=V a 2 cot β 2−V a 2 cot α 2
Assume velocity of flow or axial velocity to be constant, Va1=Va2=Va
U =V a (cot β 2−cot α 2)
Then, U =V a ( cot α 1−cot β1 ) =V a (cot β 2−cot α 2)

But, α 1=β 2
V a ( cot β 2−cot β 1 )=V a( cot β2 −cot α 2 )
cot β 1=cot α 2
Or, α 2=β 1
From velocity diagram (fig.6.9), V a =V 1 cos α 1=V r 2 cos β2
But, α 1=β 2
V 1=V r 2
V a =V 2 cos α 2=V r 1 cos β1
But, α 2=β 1
V 2=V r 1

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Steam and Gas Turbines

These relations show that the velocity triangles at the inlet and outlet of the rotor of a 50% reaction
stage are symmetrical.
Question No 6.14: What is meant by reaction staging? Prove that the maximum blade efficiency of
2
2 cos α 1
Parson’s (axial flow 50% reaction) turbine is given by ηb ,max = 2 .
1+cos α 1
(VTU, Jan/Feb-04, Jun/Jul-08, May/Jun-10, Dec-14/Jan-15)

Answer: In reaction staging the expansion of steam and enthalpy drop occurs both in fixed and
moving blades. Due to the effect of continuous expansion during flow over the moving blades, the
relative velocity of steam increases i.e., Vr2>Vr1.
For Parson’s (axial flow 50% reaction) turbine, α1=β2 and α2=β1 and also V1=Vr2 and V2=Vr1, then the
velocity triangles are symmetric (refer figure 6.9).
Work done by Parson’s turbine,
w=U ∆ V u =U (V u 1 +V u 2)
From velocity diagram,
w=U ( V u 1 + x 2−U ) =U (V 1 cos α 1 +V r 2 cos β 2−U )
But, α1=β2 and V1=Vr2
2
Then, w=U ( V 1 cos α 1+V 1 cos α 1−U ) =2 U V 1 cos α 1−U
Or,

[ 2U V 1 cos α 1
]
2
2 U
w=V 1 −
V 21 V 21
U
But, blade speed ratio φ=
V1

w=V 1 [ 2 φcos α 1−φ ]

2 2

For reaction turbine energy available at rotor inlet,

1 2 1 2 2
e a= V 1− (V r 1−V r 2)
2 2

But V1=Vr2,
2
1 1 V
e a= V 21− ( V 2r 1−V 21 ) =V 21− r 1
2 2 2
From velocity diagram,
2 2 2
V r 1 =V 1+U −2 U V 1 cos α 1 (By cosine rule)
Then,
1 2
2
e a=V 1 −
2
[ V 1+ U −2 U V 1 cos α 1 ]
2

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Steam and Gas Turbines

[ ]
2
1 2 V1 2U V 1 cos α 1 U 2
e a= [
2 1
V +2 U V 1 cos α 1 −U
2
] 2
= 1+
V1
2
− 2
V1
U
But, blade speed ratio φ=
V1

V 21
e a= [ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ ]
2
2
Blade efficiency of reaction turbine,

w V 21 [ 2 φcos α 1 −φ2 ]
ηb = = 2
ea V 1
2
[ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ2 ]
2 [ 2 φcos α 1−φ2 ]
ηb =
[ 1+ 2φcos α1−φ2 ]
Or,
2 [ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ ]−2
2

ηb =
[ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ 2 ]
2
=2−2 [ 1+ 2φcos α 1−φ
2 −1
ηb =2− ]
[ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ ] 2

The slope for maximum blade efficiency is (refer figure 6.7),

d ηb
=0
dφ
d
dφ
{ 2 −1
2−2 [ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ ] =0 }
−2
2 [ 1+2 φcos α 1−φ2 ] [ 2 cos α 1−2 φ ]=0
[ 2 cos α 1−2 φ ]=0
φ opt =cos α 1
When φ=cos α 1, the blade efficiency is the maximum, therefore
2 [ 2 cos α 1−cos α 1 ]
2 2

ηb ,max =
[ 1+2 cos 2 α 1−cos 2 α1 ]
2
2 cos α 1
ηb ,max = 2
1+cos α 1

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