TURBO MACHINE

Turbo  Rotation, Rotodynamics

Definition of Turbo machine:

Radial
Shroud flow out Rotor Blade
(Impeller) or vane Axial flow out
Axial flow in

Axial flow in

Input
Input

Figure1 Definition Sketch

A turbo machine is defined as a device in which energy transfer takes place between a
flowing fluid and a rotor (impeller), by the dynamic action which results in momentum
change of the fluid and thereby causing pressure change between the inlet and the outlet
of the device. In other words a turbo machine is a device in which energy transfer occur
between a flowing fluid and rotating element due to dynamic action and results in change
in the pressure and momentum of the fluid. (Refer fig. 1)

 If the energy transfer is from flowing fluid to a free rotor, the device is called a
turbine.

 If the energy transfer is from rotor to a flowing fluid, the device is called a pump.

Difference between a turbo machine and a positive displacement machine:

Turbo Machine Positive displacement machine

1. Energy transfer is always continuous.
2. No valves for operation of a turbo
machines.
3. When the motor of a turbo machine
stops, the state of the fluid in the rotor
changes as it is influenced by
surrounding conditions.
4. Turbo machines are usually of the rotary
type.
5. Changes in velocity of fluid play an
1. Fixed amount of working fluid is present
during the energy transfer.
2. Valves are necessary to admit and to
discharge the fluid.
3. When the motor seizes during energy
transfer, the state of the fluid inside the
chamber is definitely at the same state
uninfluenced by the surroundings.
4. Usually of reciprocating type. Exception
is gear pump.

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 important role for energy conversion. 5. Changes in velocity during energy
6. Energy transfer in turbo machines is transfer are not significant.
achieved by a rotor provided with 6. Energy transfer is achieved in a cylinder
blades. in which a piston reciprocates.
7. Path of the fluid over the rotor can be 7. Path of the fluid is always constant.
changed by adjusting the shape of the 8. Low speed.
blades. 9. More complex.
8. High speed. 10. Heavier in weight per unit H.P.
9. Mechanical design is simple. 11. Efficiency for energy conversion is
10. Light in weight per unit H.P. always high.
11. Efficiency for energy conversion is not 12. Low volumetric efficiency.
very high. 13. Such problems do not play an important
12. Volumetric efficiency is always high. role.
13. Problems like surging and cavitation play
important role in the design of turbo
machines.
Figure 2 shows a positive displacement fluid machine such as a reciprocating air compressor
which consists of a cylinder, a piston and valves.

Outlet

D
V S P

S - Spring, V - Suction Valve

Inlet D - Delivery Valve, P - Piston

Figure 2 Reciprocating compressor (Positive displacement pump)

Figure 3 shows a turbo machines such as a centrigugal pump which consists of an impeller
and a volute casing.

Volute casing

Inlet Impeller

Outlet

Figure 3 A turbo machine such as a centrifugal pump

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Classification of turbo machines:

Turbo machines are of various types, all resulting in energy transfer between the rotor and the fluid
due to dynamic actions. They are classified into six types:

1. Based on the direction of energy transfer

Turbo machines can be either power generating type of power absorbing type.
Power generating turbo machines are those which utilize the energy of the fluid to produce
mechanical power.: Example - Fransis turbine
Power absorbing turbo machines are those which utilize the mechanical energy to raise the
energy of the fluid. Example: Pumps and compressors

Fig 4 A turbine (power generating device) and a pump (power absorbing device)

2. Based on the direction of flow of fluid over the rotor

They can be classified as
a. Radial flow type
In this type the flow of the fluid during the flow over the rotor is always maintained
in the radial direction. The flow over the blade may be radially inward or radially
outward depending upon whether the flow is towards the exit or away from the axis
Old Francis turbine is of radially inward flow type
centrifugal pumps and compressors are of radially outward flow type
b. Mixed flow type

Vanes
w
flo
d

Radial flow
ixe
M

Axial flow

3.
Fig. 5 A typical mixed flow pump

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 In this type, the fluid flow will be radial and axial. It may be radial entirely and axial
discharge or axial entirely and radial discharge.
New Francis turbine is of mixed flow having radial entry and axial discharge
a. Axial flow type
In this type, the flow over the rotor blades is maintained purely in a direction parallel
to the axis
Kaplan turbine, gas or steam turbine, axial pumps and compressors are of this type.

Fig. 6 Axial flow turbo machines

3. Based on the type of action of fluid over the rotor
According to this, the turbo machines may be classified as
a. Impulse turbine
In this type of turbine, there will be no variations in the pressure of the fluid over
the rotor. Example: Pelton turbine, Delivel turbine
b. Reaction turbine
In this type, the pressure varies during the flow over the rotor. Example: Francis
turbine, gas turbine, centrifugal pumps and compressors and axial pumps.

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 Fig. 7 An impulse turbine – Pelton wheel
4. Based on number of stages
Depending on the number of rotors connected to the shaft, turbo machines may be either
single stage or multistage type. If the energy transfer cannot be achieved in a single rotor,
then multistage turbo machines are used. All water turbines are usually single stage type.
Gas and Stem turbines, centrifugal and axial pumps and compressors are of multistage type.
5. Based on specific speed – to be discussed in chapter 2

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Classifications of Turbo machines

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