Category: Steam Engine, Steam and Gas Turbines

A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. The steam engine uses the force produced by steam pressure to push a piston back and forth inside a cylinder. This pushing force can be transformed, by a connecting rod and crank, into rotational force for work.

The steam enters the turbine through an inlet valve or nozzle. Expansion of Steam: As the high-pressure steam enters the turbine, it passes through a series of stationary and rotating blades or vanes called stages. The steam expands and its pressure and temperature gradually decrease as it passes through each stage

In engines the combustion occurs intermittently, only during the power stroke, whereas in gas turbines combustion is continuous. 

In order to match steam production to heat demand, there are three types of steam turbine in common use for CHP plants. These three are called a back pressure steam turbine, an extraction steam turbine and a condensing steam turbine. Each type will suit a different configuration of plant.

Motion: Steam engines operate with reciprocating motion, while steam turbines use rotary motion. This distinction affects their applications, efficiency, and design. Efficiency: Steam turbines are generally more efficient than steam engines due to reduced friction and smoother operation

Steam turbines utilise the expansion of high-pressure steam to produce rotational motion, while gas turbines rely on the combustion of fuel and air to drive a high-velocity flow of hot gases through the turbine. This is the main difference between gas turbine and steam