In a rotational machine, the turbine channels the kinetic energy of moving steam, gas, wind, or liquids, such as water, through a rotor or wheel. Delivering continuous power, the rotor shaft is fitted with a progression of blades that spin as kinetic power is applied. When connected to a generator, the active mechanical energy can be transformed into electricity.
The steam turbine is tasked with mining compressed steam’s thermal power and turning it into mechanical work. Hot and vaporous steam streams past spinning blades and radiates contained energy through an extending and cooling process. Most potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which operates a generator and delivers electricity.
Gas turbines capture the energy of hot burning gas, with the spinning blades fulfilling a double function. They connect to a generator that generates electricity and drives a compressor that delivers compressed air to the ignition panel, thus conserving energy when powering continuous operations.
Wind turbines are different, with propeller-like blades designed to turn in the wind and the motion of the turbine generating electricity. Engineered for long-term outdoor use, wind turbines can be run continuously for as many as 120,000 hours. Similar to windmills in appearance, water turbines utilize the forces of gravity, as the power of falling water rotates them and again hooked up to generators.
