Turbine Generator and Torque

In summary, a turbine generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using a turbine to drive a generator. The turbine spins a shaft connected to the generator, causing it to produce electricity through electromagnetic induction. Torque is necessary for the rotation of the turbine, and it can be controlled through various methods such as adjusting steam flow rate or using a governor system. Common types of turbine generators include steam turbines, gas turbines, and hydro turbines.
  • #1
hollyhiccups
2
0
I am making a small wind turbine using a generator to charge a battery.

I have chosen a generator in relation to the battery and ultimate output requirements of the LEDs.
However - I need to determine the amount of power I need to put generate for the system to work effectively.

The generator is rated at 10W. However I understand that due to Torque... To actually achieve this, the turbine design (and wind speeds) will need to produce more Watts than this.
But just how much is what I struggling with - is there a formula to use?

Theoretically achieving an RPM of 2800 and there is a constant wind speed of 15 m/s.

Many thanks :)
 
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  • #2
There are a lot of numbers in your post, but not much information as to what you know, what you don't know, etc.

You say, "The generator is rated at 10W. However I understand that due to Torque... " Well, "due to torque, what?" Are you making a statement, asking a question, or just fading out?

You also say, "Theoretically achieving an RPM of 2800 and there is a constant wind speed of 15 m/s." This is not a sentence; there is no verb. Would you care to tell us what you had in mind here?
 
  • #3
In theory my generator will achieve 2800 rpm.
At this speed the generator I am running will power 10W.

I need to design the wind turbine that will run with this generator to achieve 10W.

With wind speeds of 15m/s and an rpm of 2800 a turbine blade size of 0.13m x 0.05m would produce 10W.

However - from my limited understanding - Torque will mean that designing a turbine to produce 10W will not result in a 10W output from my generator.

How does Torque relate to this? Is there any equation? Any information or knowledge would be appreciated. :)
 
  • #4
That is a whole lot better.

Power (watts) = ω T
where
ω = shaft speed (rad/s) = 2 π (rpm)/60
T = torque (N m)

There is also the matter of conversion efficiency. Ten watts of mechanical power into the generator will not give you 10 w electrical output. It depends on the design of your generator as to what the efficiency actually is.

There are also efficiencies to consider in the transmission between the turbine and the generator. Generally speaking, there is some power lost at every step, so part of the answer is to minimize the number of steps, and the other part is to minimize the losses per step.

It would not be surprising if you needed 50 or 60 w of power from the wind to get 10 w electrical output.
 
  • #5

1. What is a turbine generator?

A turbine generator is a device that converts mechanical energy, typically from a rotating turbine, into electrical energy. It utilizes a turbine to drive a generator, which produces electricity through the use of electromagnetic induction.

2. How does a turbine generator work?

A turbine generator works by using a turbine to turn a shaft, which is connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, it causes the shaft to rotate, which in turn causes the generator to produce electricity. This process is known as electromechanical energy conversion.

3. What is the role of torque in a turbine generator?

Torque is the measure of the twisting force applied to the shaft of a turbine generator. It is necessary for the rotation of the turbine, which then drives the generator to produce electricity. The amount of torque required depends on factors such as the size and speed of the turbine.

4. How is torque controlled in a turbine generator?

Torque can be controlled in a turbine generator through various methods such as adjusting the steam flow rate, changing the blade pitch of the turbine, or using a governor system. These methods help regulate the speed and power output of the turbine, and therefore the amount of torque applied to the generator shaft.

5. What are some common types of turbine generators?

Some common types of turbine generators include steam turbines, gas turbines, and hydro turbines. Steam turbines are used in power plants and utilize steam to drive the turbine. Gas turbines use combustion of fuel to generate high-speed gas, which then drives the turbine. Hydro turbines use the kinetic energy of water to rotate the turbine and generate electricity.

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