Influence of operating factors on the energy efficiency of axial partial microturbines of the marine vessel

Abstract

Based on literature review, an attempt is made to identify the regime factors that have the most significant effect on the efficiency of turbines. According to the authors, these factors should be taken into consideration to increase the energy efficiency of vessel’s microturbines that are a part of onboard power plant. Such microturbines are also used in other technology areas, but they have strict limitations due to weight and size indicators, and also to the flow rate of the working fluid.

As a result, the following factors with the most considerable impact on the energy efficiency are determined: ratio of the braking pressure at the nozzle inlet to the static pressure at the stage outlet; ratio of the circumferential speed of the impeller to the speed of sound in the critical section of the nozzle, etc. Given the factors listed in this article, it is possible to significantly improve the efficiency of the axial partial microturbine of the marine vessel.