Calculating turbine RPM in a pipe with known air velocity and diameter

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SUMMARY

Calculating turbine RPM in a closed pipe requires knowledge of air velocity and pipe diameter. The resistive torque at the turbine shaft directly influences the rotational speed, with blade pitch being a critical factor. To accurately determine RPM, one must calculate the lift on each turbine blade, considering the effects of blade rotation and fluid dynamics. This discussion highlights the complexities involved in modeling these interactions for both propeller and fan blade turbines.

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  • Fluid dynamics principles
  • Turbine blade aerodynamics
  • Mathematical modeling of rotational motion
  • Torque and resistance calculations
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  • Research the calculation of lift on turbine blades
  • Study the effects of blade pitch on turbine performance
  • Learn about fluid dynamics in rotating systems
  • Explore modeling techniques for circular motion problems
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Engineers, mechanical designers, and researchers involved in turbine design, fluid mechanics, and energy generation systems will benefit from this discussion.

matth6197
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Hello,

I am trying to calculate the turbine RPM for a turbine in a closed pipe. I know the air velocity and pipe diameter. Can this be done?
 
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Welcome, @matth6197 !

The lighter the resistive torque or resistance at the shaft of the turbine the higher its rotational speed should be.
 
Is your turbine just a propeller or a fan blade. If so, then the pitch of the blades is the most significant factor in RPM.
 
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I hope somebody posts a detailed answer for how this calculation is done. I am dealing with a similar problem for wind turbines.

I expect you will somehow need to calculate the lift on each turbine blade multiply by the number of them and model it as a circular motion problem. but then you also need to take into account the change of lift per blade due to the fact the blade will spin, (whereas it was stationary at first) and also the effects of the spinning blades on the incoming fluid as well. All issues currently beyond my modelling abilities
 

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