What is a turbine generator?
From the time of windmills to nuclear power plants, the principle of the turbine has been used to generate energy. By converting motion to energy, turbines have been invaluable in the progress of energy technology.Turbine PrincipleThe simplest turbines convert wind energy into mechanical energy by the spinning of the turbine.StructureThe basic structure is a tube surrounded with fins or blades. The tube shape allows it to spin. The fins catch the steam or wind, which causes the tube to spin.WindmillsWindmills are very simple turbines. The movement of wind spins the blades, which in turn powers the attached mechanism–usually simple gears.Nuclear PowerNuclear and thermal power plants use steam to turn the turbine. Connected to the turbine is a turbogenerator. This generator converts the energy of the spinning turbine into electricity.Types of TurbinesOther than the aforementioned steam- and wind-powered varieties are those powered by water.
