Turbomachinery Energy conversion systems

When energy is converted between the fluid and the power transmission shaft of a turbomachine, the main subject of this article, the energy is conserved, but it changes form and degrades.

All presentations concerning turbomachinery assume that the flow is permanent in both fixed and moving parts; there is currently no other way of reasoning. However, it is obvious that the internal flow is chopped when moving blades pass behind fixed blades, and vice versa. This contradiction will be discussed.

Assuming, therefore, as a first approximation, that flow is permanent inside a turbomachine. The mechanical relations established with this assumption are therefore applicable. The main purpose of this article is to establish Euler's fundamental equation for turbomachinery, based on the momentum theorem derived from mechanics.

This article is part of a series devoted to turbomachinery:

• Turbomachinery – Description and basic principles [BM4280] ;

• Turbomachinery – Thermodynamics of energy conversion [BM4282] ;

• Turbomachinery – Energy balance and applications [BM4283] .