Module 1

Wk 4 – 6 (19 hrs)
Unit 3 : Operation and principles
Introduction: In a condensing steam turbine, high-pressure (HP) steam is fed to
the turbine and the outlet steam is condensed. In a condensing turbine,
outlet steam is sent to a condenser operating under vacuum. Working principle
of steam turbine: A high-velocity steam is coming from the nozzles and it strikes
the rotating blades which are fitted on a disc mounted on a shaft. This high-
velocity steam produces dynamic pressure on the blades in which blades and
shaft both start to rotate in the same direction.

VIDEO (steam turbine operation)

link: youtube.com/watch?v=AyAd-gLO9CE
VIDEO (how does a steam turbine work)
link: youtube.com/watch?v=SPg7hOxFItI

Lesson 3.1 Explain why main condenser is kept in vacuum

The basic reason for maintaining vacuum is to allow the steam to expand to that
low pressure. At other places where the steam can be used for other purposes
like heating, the steam is allowed to the required pressure. In case of power
generation, the steam has to expand to the lowest available pressure i.e.
vacuum. the available vacuum is dependent on the cooling water temperature.
The air entering the system has also some say in the lowest possible pressure. At
zero air entrance to the system, the ideal vacuum will be equal to the pressure at
which cooling water is the saturation temperature. However the ideal vacuum is
never obtained. in non-air entry conditions, the vacuum pumps, ejectors would
be unnecessary, but such is normally the case. In order to remove the air
entering the system vacuum pumps etc. are employed. If these are not
employed, the Dalton's law of partial pressures will apply and the condenser
vacuum will go up continuously hence vacuum pumps etc. are put in service.
In air cooled condensers, the air temperature will be higher than corresponding
cooling water obtained through cooling towers etc and hence the vacuum is less.