- #1
saadsarfraz
- 86
- 1
A common sense questions. Can anyone care to provide their insights?
Why multiple turbines drive a single generator
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the rationale for using multiple turbines to drive a single generator, exploring various types of turbines and their configurations in power generation systems. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to steam and gas turbines, as well as considerations of efficiency and cost.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that multiple turbines can be configured on a single shaft, such as in a steam turbine system with high, intermediate, and low-pressure turbines.
- Others propose that using a single generator may reduce costs and improve efficiency by minimizing internal losses associated with multiple generators.
- A participant notes that while multiple turbines can be connected to the same shaft, there are also configurations like cross compound turbines that utilize multiple shafts and generators, although these are less common today.
- Questions arise regarding the specific types of turbines being discussed, such as whether they are steam or gas turbines, and if the context involves combined heat and power systems.
- One participant references the KISS principle, suggesting that a single turbogenerator with a multistage turbine is a straightforward solution.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the configurations and benefits of using multiple turbines with a single generator, and it remains unresolved as participants explore different perspectives and examples.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not fully defined the types of turbines or specific systems being referenced, leading to some ambiguity in the discussion. There are also assumptions about cost and efficiency that are not universally agreed upon.
- #2
davenn
Science Advisor
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saadsarfraz said:
really ??
haven't seen that before, do you have an example ?
- #3
Babadag
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In my opinion, it is an usual system: what we call “ a steam turbine” are 3 turbines acting on the same shaft: high pressure, intermediate and low pressure. A gas turbine could be two in series-in combined cycle power plant.
- #4
saadsarfraz
- 86
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Can it be because having a single generator is less costly and would be more efficient as multiple generators would lead to some type of internal losses due to resistance or friction...
- #5
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Those multiple turbines are probably connected to the same shaft. Even though they have several sections, we call them collectively "a turbine"
Sometimes we have cross compound turbines with multiple shafts and multiple generators but one steam path. That's rare today.
Sometimes we have cross compound turbines with multiple shafts and multiple generators but one steam path. That's rare today.
Last edited:
- #6
Windadct
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What type of turbine? Steam, gas, ? Is this a Co-gen with Heat Recovery Steam Gen?
- #7
jim hardy
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Are you speaking of central power station equipment?saadsarfraz said:
Common sense ? Look up KISS principle. One turbogenerator with multistage turbine of course .
all on one shaft...