What's the big deal?
2007-08-17 08:25:01 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/guide/images/photo_pw_drysteam.jpg
2007-08-17 08:54:57 · update #1
http://www.powermag.com/powerweb/archive_article.asp?a=54-F_PM&y=2007&m=march
2007-08-17 08:59:49 · update #2
The trouble is, liquid water is incompressible. Under the speeds used this turns innocent little drops of water into mini hammers. The shock waves can tear equipment apart.
Also flash evaporation can be very damaging. Condensed water in the New York steam distribution system caused an hole to be blown in the street.
2007-08-17 09:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I reckon that the final low pressure section section of the typical steam turbine must experience water droplets at start up as the various blades and stators warm up by absorbing heat from the steam. The steam should not normally be free to affect the generators.
Rain and even ice seldom damage the blades in a plane's jet engines these days.
2007-08-17 09:30:02 · answer #2 · answered by kiltie_nanaimo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the high velocities involved, high quality (dry)steam is most desired to prevent turbine blade erosion.
Steam produced for power generation is superheated for this reason.
Power turbines are "warmed-up" before they are "started-up"
2007-08-17 09:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by Bomba 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Water and electricity usually don't mix.... it could cause the whole engine to short.
Second, over time, water causes metals to oxidize and rust (steam does too, just not nearly as much). So it could cause the engine to rust.
2007-08-17 08:44:27 · answer #4 · answered by Jon G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You'll loose efficiency!
Other than that I doubt it would do any damage. And it certainly wouldn't cause a short.
2007-08-17 08:51:58 · answer #5 · answered by kennyk 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋