Steam Turbine Vs. Piston

Steam turbines are used to power much of the world's electricity.

Both turbines and pistons can use steam to generate practical energy that is put to use in our everyday lives, but the method by which energy can be obtained from steam turbines makes them the more ubiquitous process.

Steam Turbine

A steam turbine is a mechanical engine that converts the thermal energy of dry, pressurized steam that has been raised by fuel into rotary motion. The turbine usually operates at a rate of thousands of rotations per minute.

Pistons

A basic reciprocating steam engine, on the other hand, uses the pressure of steam to move a piston, which slides inside a cylinder much like the way an automobile uses the combustion of air and fuel to drive the piston and generate energy. The low-pressure steam is then let out as exhaust.

History

Some form of the reciprocating steam engine has been used as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries and later helped fuel locomotives, but the steam turbine was not invented until 1884.

Use

Even though combustion engines are prevalent today, steam turbines are used often for large tasks like electrical generators. Modern steam turbines are ubiquitous, generating 80 percent of the world's electricity. Pistons have become less prevalent in steam engines over the past century.

Features

Steam turbines usually have greater thermal efficiency and higher power-to-weight ratio. They are more fuel-efficient at higher horse power.

References

• Electropaedia: Steam Turbine Electricity Generation Plants
• Animated Engines: Oscillating Steam Engine
• Science Clarified: Steam Engine