A 

turbine is a device that harnesses the kinetic energy of some fluid - such

as water, steam, air, or combustion gases - and turns this into the rotational motion of
the device itself.[2] These devices are generally used in electrical generation, engines,
and propulsion systems and are classified as a type of engine. They are classified as
such because engines are simply technologies that take an input and generate an
output. A simple turbine is composed of a series of blades - currently steel is one of the
most common materials used - and allows the fluid to enter the turbine, pushing the
blades. These blades then spin and eject the fluid which now has less energy it did than
when it entered the turbine. Some of the energy is captured by the turbine and used.[2]
Turbines are used in many different areas, and each type of turbine has a slightly
different construction to perform its job properly. Turbines are used in wind
power, hydropower, in heat engines, and for propulsion. Turbines are extremely
important because of the fact that nearly all electricity is generated by them.[2]
Hydroelectricity
main article

Figure 3. A diagram of a hydroelectric turbine.[5]

In this case, water held behind a dam is released and allowed to fall on a turbine,
generating electricity when connected to a generator. These turbines are essential
in the area of hydropower - the process of obtaining power from water.
Generally, the construction of hydroelectric turbines is the same. A row of blades is
fitted to some rotating shaft or plate. Water is then passed through the turbine over
the blades, causing the inner shaft to rotate. This rotational motion is then
transferred to a generator where electricity is generated. There are a variety of
different types of turbines that are best used in different situations. Each type of
turbine is created to provide maximum output for the situation it is used in. There are
many factors that must be investigated to determine which turbine should be used.
These factors include hydraulic head, hydroelectric discharge, and the cost.[6]
Two types of turbines are generally found in these facilities, and the choice of which
to use depends on what the hydroelectric facility is like. These types are reaction
turbines and impulse turbines. For more information on how these turbines work and
more detailed information on other turbines, click here.