Small steam turbine power plants exhibit lower efficiency compared to larger counterparts due to several factors, including size limitations that affect thermodynamic cycles. The discussion highlights the impact of reheat and regenerative cycles, emphasizing that smaller turbines struggle with maintaining optimal tip clearances, which directly influences performance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing turbine design and operation.
PREREQUISITESEngineers, power plant operators, and energy efficiency analysts focused on optimizing steam turbine performance and understanding the implications of size on operational efficiency.