Aerodynamic design of 50 per cent reaction steam turbines

Abstract

On the basis of their inherent favourable aerodynamic properties coupled with past progress, 50 per cent reaction stages already achieve a high efficiency level. Developments aimed at further performance enhancement entail employment of advanced design features that require a deep understanding of the flow phenomena involved and their interactions. In addition, substantial on-going efforts are needed to improve the quality of the design tools. This paper focuses on the key design issues, including advanced quasi-three-dimensional and three-dimensional design aspects. It further describes developments by the authors' company during the last decade for the design of modern reaction blading and establishment of state-of-the-art design tools.