Advantages of Steam Turbines over Reciprocal Steam Engines

Following are the important advantages of steam turbines over reciprocating steam engines :-



1. A steam turbine may develop higher speeds and greater steam range is possible.

2. The efficiency of a steam turbine is higher.


3. The internal lubrication is not required in a steam turbine. This reduces the cost of lubrication.

4. Since all the moving parts are enclosed in a casing, the steam turbine is comparatively safe.

5. A steam turbine requires less space and lighter foundations, as there are little variations.

6. There is less friction loss due to fewer sliding parts.

7. The applied torque is more uniform to the driven shaft.




8. The absence of various links such as a piston, piston rod, crosshead, etc. make the mechanism simple. The steam turbine is quiet and smooth in operation.

9. It can be designed for greater range of speed of operation.

10 . Steam turbine can be designed for much greater capacities of power as compared to the steam engine. Steam turbines can be built in for generating power ranging from a few horsepower to over 200,000 horsepower in single units.

11. The steam consumption is less.

12 .A steam turbine requires less attention during running.Moreover, the repair costs are generally less.

13 . The thermodynamic efficiency of steam turbine is higher.




14 . In steam turbine power is generated at uniform rate, therefore, flywheel is not needed.