Turbine Technology

Turbine technology has been powering our homes and businesses for decades, and while its function may change over time, its fundamental purpose remains the same. At its core, turbines are energy converters, transforming the kinetic energy of moving fluids into mechanical energy by spinning bladed rotors. This mechanical energy then drives generators, producing the electrical power we rely on (as illustrated in the figure).

Gas turbines and steam turbines can both work with various fluids, including renewable ones. However, a key distinction lies in how they generate heat: in a gas turbine, the heat is produced inside the turbine by injecting a combustible gas directly into the turbine. In a steam turbine, the fluid is heated outside the turbine using a specific heat source, (from the multiple ones available) before being introduced into the turbine.