The Parsons Centenary—a Hundred Years of Steam Turbines

Abstract

The first practical multi-stage turbine in the form in which we know it today was built by the Hon C. A. Parsons in 1884. After referring briefly to other pioneers of early turbine development, and outlining the essential differences between impulse and reaction turbines, the main part of the lecture is devoted to a historical survey of steam turbines as applied to the generation of electricity in central power stations, over the intervening one hundred years. Progress in many areas of interest is described: these include considerations of blading design, steam conditions, single- and double-reheat, and many mechanical features, as well as condensing and feed heating plant. Specialized applications of turbines for use with nuclear reactors, for district heating, for use with dry cooling systems where water is scarce, and for rapid starting are also described. Where possible, significant milestones in development are identified by year and by builder; progress up to the present day is reported. Some of the problems which sometimes arise with turbine plant in service are briefly mentioned, and the prospects of developments over the next few years, including the possibility of significant increases in steam pressure and temperature, are outlined.