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Mechanical drive applications of Gas turbines

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The scope of gas turbines is not limited to aerodynamic uses but can also be extended for industrial purposes as well. These industrial gas turbines are designed such that they can be operated in varying climatic conditions ranging from the arctic cold to desert heat. SGT-A30RB Aeroderivative  The first class of industrial gas turbines are the aeroderivative turbines. As the name suggests, these are aircraft derived gas turbines. They include the same components as that of aircraft turbines with minor modifications so that they can include a wide range of liquid and gas fuels. They operate at an efficiency of 45% which indicates an increase of 15% compared to heavy duty gas turbines. They are light weight and utilize advanced materials for improved efficiency. They are multi shaft so that the mechanical components can operate at their optimal speed. SGT700 Industrial  The second class are the heavy duty gas turbines or frame turbines. They are heavy weight and ar...

Airborne applications of Gas turbines

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After having understood the importance of gas turbines, they are used  for a wide range of airborne, land and marine applications. The airborne applications of gas turbines include the widely known turbojets, turbofans and turbo propellers. . The gas turbines used for land and marine applications are called mechanical drives. Before we begin to understand where they are used let's have a basic idea of them. All the three applications have the same structure as that of the gas turbine but differ only on the areas where they are used and addition of a single component. In a turbojet, the gases which are expanding through the nozzle after combustion is directly converted to thrust which is responsible for the motion of the aircraft.  In case of turbofans, the gases expand through the nozzle and a certain portion of it is converted to thrust while the remaining portion is used for the fan to accelerate the flow of air rearwards. Turbofan Turbofans produce less noise a...

Starting system in Gas turbine

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In addition to the components of the gas turbine, there are accessory systems such as the starting system, ignition system, lubrication system and cooling system for proper functioning and maintenance of the system.  In order to start the assembly, a starter is used which can be a diesel engine or a generator that is directly coupled to the shaft of the compressor/turbine assembly.  The functions of the starter are three fold. The starter is to rotate the generator so that it reaches a self sustaining speed and to drive the compressor to purge the inlet and exhaust ducts for the escape of any volatile gases before the ignition occurs.  The starter is also used to rotate the gas generator after shutdown to facilitate cooling. For these purposes two starters are used.  One of them is a high speed starter which is used for rotating the generator and the other is used for purging and cooling purposes which is of low speed.  The gas generator can...

Pressure Conversion in a Gas turbine

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Pressure conversion plays a very important role in gas turbine. Pressure gets converted from one form to another as the fluid flows through various sections of the turbine. There are two different kinds of pressure developed within. They are 1.) Static pressure                                                            2.) Impact pressure  Static pressure is the pressure that the fluid exerts on the walls of the turbine when it is stationary. Example is the pressure stored in a football or the pressure exerted by water molecules on the walls of a container. Pressure exerted by stationary fluid on the container  Impact pressure on the other hand is the pressure exerted by a moving fluid on the walls of the turbine. The pressure felt when a moving object strikes you is an example. Total pressure is the sum of static and i...

Introduction to gas turbine

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Gas turbine is one of the most advanced technology ever developed. The scope of it just keeps increasing everyday with no limit to it's growth. Developed by a common interest of ideas in the late eighteenth century by many researchers, it developed vastly to become one of the most important technology used today. When the name gas turbine pops up, it's uses are not limited aerodynamically as everyone would think. It is also used for ground and marine purposes which are called mechanical drive gas turbines.  The turbines  used for airborne purposes are called turbojets, turboprops, turbofans. A typical gas turbine consists of mainly four components. They are the inlet section, compressor, combustion chamber/ combustor and the turbine.  As the name suggests, the inlet section is where the air enters the turbine. This air must be devoid of any impurities which can deteriorate the life of the the turbine such as condensed air, sand or water. The compressor...

Manufacturing of Tires

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Today I'll give you short intro of how the tires are manufactured. We have seen different brands such as Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone, Continental and may more.  The manufacturing of a tire is very complex just like a smartphone. The main ingredients used are natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silica, carbon black and many chemical substances. 1.  First, all these ingredients are mixed in a giant blender to get a black compound which is the basis of the tire material.  2. Next they are then cut into individual strips for every tire manufactured. Here all the other elements required for a tire such as beads, belt, shoulder are all prepared.  3. The next stage is the assembly of all these components in an individual tire. The tire which is developed in this stage is called green tire.  4. This green tire is then sent for vulcanization where many synthetic components are added to increase the durability of the tire. The pattern is also created o...

Origin of the safety features

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Safety Advancements

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These days, the car tech has improved significantly. The development has been so amazing with the features ranging from semi autonomous to completely autonomous systems. Along with the tech, so have the safety features have vastly improved. 1. Automatic Cruise Control: This feature detect the safe cruising speed and maintain in that speed to remain at a safe distance. It obtains it's input from the laser and radar systems. It will receive the speed of similar tech equipped cars. 2. Lane Departure Warning: This feature basically detects the phosphorus from the strips on the road and gives you a gentle warning that you are drifting from the lane. The camera on the windshield detects it and might even control it. 3. Adaptive Headlights:This feature helps ensure safer driving at night at hills or curves. In normal cars, when taking a turn the headlights will point in the forward direction. But in this tech, the headlights illuminate the path you are driving by various s...

Types of Hybrids

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Over the many years, cars have developed tremendously. The first car with internal combustion engine was developed by Francois Issac de Rivaz in 1807. It was then followed by Karl Benz in 1886 who came up with cars that had 4 stroke engine and produced own power. It was the many reasons why he was given a patent. Since then automobiles have developed rapidly and today we have eco-friendly hybrid and electric cars. Logo of Benz in 1909 Now the hybrids come in different designs. First, there are parallel hybrids. In them both the engine and the motor supply power to the wheels.  In series hybrids only the motor provides power to the wheels while the engine powers the motor. In a way, it acts like a generator. In full hybrids the motors and the batteries present are powerful enough on their own and not require the support of the engine. Mild hybrids are the exact opposite of full hybrids. They have very weak motors and requires the assistance of the engine. In ordinary hy...