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The modern steam turbine was invented in 1884 by Charles Parsons, whose first model was connected to a dynamo that generated 7.5 kilowatts (10.1 hp) of electricity. [12] The invention of Parsons' steam turbine made cheap and plentiful electricity possible and revolutionized marine transport and naval warfare. [13] Parsons' design was a reaction ...
Used early on in electrical generation and to power ships, turbines were bladed wheels that created rotary motion when high pressure steam was passed through them. The efficiency of large steam turbines was considerably better than the best compound engines, while also being much simpler, more reliable, smaller and lighter all at the same time ...
An illustration of Hero's aeolipile. An aeolipile, aeolipyle, or eolipile, from the Greek "Αἰόλου πύλη," lit. ' Aeolus gate ', also known as a Hero's (or Heron's) engine, is a simple, bladeless radial steam turbine which spins when the central water container is heated.
The uniflow engine used poppet valves and half cylinders which allowed steam to pass into the engine was then used to create a high pressure environment that was key to the function of the uniflow engine. It was used in ships, steam locomotives and steam wagons but was displaced by steam turbines and later marine diesel engines. [50] [52] [53] [17]
A steam–electric power station is a power station in which the electric generator is steam-driven: water is heated, evaporates, and spins a steam turbine which drives an electric generator. After it passes through the turbine, the steam is condensed in a condenser. The greatest variation in the design of steam–electric power plants is due ...
A steam-powered aircraft is an aircraft propelled by a steam engine. Steam power was used during the 19th century, but fell into disuse with the arrival of the more practical internal combustion engine at the beginning of the pioneer era. Steam power is distinct from its use as a lifting gas in thermal airships and early balloons.
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The main use for steam turbines is in electricity generation (in the 1990s about 90% of the world's electric production was by use of steam turbines) [5] however the recent widespread application of large gas turbine units and typical combined cycle power plants has resulted in reduction of this percentage to the 80% regime for steam turbines ...