Calculating Area of a Tesla Turbine | Power Output Formula

In summary, the conversation discusses a paper on the performance of Tesla turbines. The paper includes a formula for calculating power output, but it is unclear how to deduce the area from the formula. The equation may not be applicable to Tesla turbines due to their unique design. The efficiency of Tesla turbines is lower compared to other turbines and they are driven by boundary layer drag. The Tesla name may receive more attention than the turbine's actual capabilities.
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TL;DR Summary
The power that can be generated by a Tesla turbine can be deduced by using a formula that has been given in a equation in given document. Want to know how the area (mentioned in the formula) can be determined for Tesla turbine.
Found this paper regarding performance of Tesla turbine. At the page 23, a formula regarding possible power output from a Tesla turbine is given. But, I want to know how to deduce the area given the formula. Tesla turbines are discs placed one after another with specific gaps in between the discs. I want to know, whether it's just the area of only one side of a single disc or both front and back part of all the discs that will come into contact with the flow.
 
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  • #2
Page 12 of the paper, is on page 23 of the pdf file.
The equation is at the bottom of that page.
I believe that is a general equation, where area refers to the flow section of the turbine, not applicable directly to a Tesla turbine.
 
  • #3
You want to mean that this equation can hardly describe the output for Tesla turbine, right? Me too have some doubt about that part. In case of common market available turbines, the driving force is either impulse or reaction. But, for a Tesla turbine, it's totally different. That's why this equation can't properly define the output IMO.
 
  • #4
Correct.

The Tesla turbine is very inefficient compared to other turbines. I have yet to see a justified application.

The Tesla turbine is driven by boundary layer drag on the disc surfaces. Those close plates also create a back pressure that blocks the exhaust, reducing efficiency.

Because it has the Tesla name, it receives attention that it does not deserve.
 
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What is a Tesla Turbine?

A Tesla Turbine is a type of rotary engine that was invented by Nikola Tesla in the early 1900s. It uses a series of closely spaced disks to create a powerful vortex of air or fluid, which can be used to generate power.

How do you calculate the area of a Tesla Turbine?

The area of a Tesla Turbine can be calculated by finding the surface area of each individual disk and adding them together. This can be done by multiplying the radius of the disk by pi (3.14) and then squaring that value. The surface area of each disk can then be added together to get the total area of the turbine.

What is the power output formula for a Tesla Turbine?

The power output formula for a Tesla Turbine is P = (A x V x ρ)/η, where P is the power output, A is the area of the turbine, V is the velocity of the fluid or air passing through the turbine, ρ is the density of the fluid or air, and η is the efficiency of the turbine.

How does the efficiency of a Tesla Turbine affect its power output?

The efficiency of a Tesla Turbine directly affects its power output. A higher efficiency means that more of the energy from the fluid or air passing through the turbine is converted into power. This results in a higher power output for the same amount of fluid or air passing through the turbine.

What factors can affect the area and power output of a Tesla Turbine?

The area and power output of a Tesla Turbine can be affected by a variety of factors, such as the size and number of disks, the speed and density of the fluid or air passing through, and the efficiency of the turbine. Additionally, factors such as temperature, pressure, and the type of fluid or air being used can also impact the area and power output of the turbine.

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