Creating Innovative Laboratory Systems For Engineering & Technical Education

RankineCycler™ Steam Turbine Engine Lab Power System

RankineCycler™ is a data acquisition equipped, ready to operate micro power plant.

Primary components of the steam turbine system include a multi-pass boiler, axial-flow steam turbine, AC/DC generator and condenser tower.

RankineCycler™

The RankineCycler™ steam turbine power plant utilizes beautifully-crafted working components. Front and rear boiler doors open with push button ease, providing a clear view of flame tubes, the fuel nozzle, vortex generator and igniter.

Sensors are installed at all key locations and measure temperatures, pressures, fuel-flow rate (energy input) and electrical energy output. Signal outputs are conditioned and factory calibrated for "real-time" display on the included, student-configurable virtual instrument.

RankineCycler™... a truly unmatched value in hands-on energy cycle analysis.

RankineCycler™ allows participants to complete many energy/efficiency related experiments. The system also comes with a very complete operator's manual and 43 page curriculum guide.

 

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Steam Turbine Engine

A steam turbine engine is a mechanical device that converts thermal energy from pressurized steam into mechanical energy. It is one of the most common and efficient types of heat engines in use today, and is utilized in a wide variety of applications, including power generation, marine and aviation propulsion, and industrial processes.

How a Steam Turbine Engine Works

As its name implies, the steam turbine engine uses high-pressure steam to turn a series of rotating blades. Water is heated and pressurized in a boiler using a fossil fuel such as coal or natural gas, nuclear energy, or solar power. Once it has turned to steam, it enters the turbine through a series of nozzles, which accelerate the steam and direct it toward the blades. The steam expands, causing the blades to turn, which then rotates the shaft of the turbine.

The shaft of the turbine can be connected to a variety of different devices, such as a generator to produce electricity, a propeller to drive a ship, or a compressor to compress air.

 

Benefits of Steam Turbine Engines

Steam turbine engines are very efficient at converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. The efficiency of a steam turbine engine depends on a number of factors, including the temperature and pressure of the steam, the number of stages in the turbine, and the design of the blades. Regardless of these variables, the steam turbine engine can typically achieve efficiencies of up to 40%.

Steam turbine engines are also very reliable and have a long lifespan. They are relatively easy to operate and maintain, and they can be used in a wide variety of climates and conditions.

Advantages of steam turbine engines include:

  • High efficiency
  • Reliability
  • Long lifespan
  • Versatility

The steam turbine engine is a vital technology in many industries. It is commonly used in power plants for electricity generation, in naval vessels for propulsion, and in industrial applications where mechanical power needs to be generated.

 

Technical Papers

Experimental Opportunities:
  • Energy relationships and the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Cycle analysis and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Control volume analysis
  • Entropy analysis
  • Isentropic analysis and the study of turbine/nozzle efficiency
  • Heat transfer analysis and the study of boiler efficiency
  • Combustion processes
  • Vapor power system fundamentals
  • Electric power generation
  • Experimental and data acquisition technique

Specifications

 
Purchase Specifications:
  • A steam turbine plant designed for engineering steam power education.
  • Consisting of a fossil-fueled boiler, steam turbine and condenser tower mounted on a rigid, mobile frame.
  • Boiler of a tube-type, flame through design with access doors to view the inner workings.
  • Steam rate adjustable through a steam admission valve, regulating turbine speed and energy output.
  • Axial flow turbine used to drive an alternating current generator.
  • Generator output to be rectified allowing the output of direct current.
  • Generator output capable of delivering 15 Volts at 1 Amp to infinitely adjustable 15 Watt load.
  • Unit to include analog boiler pressure gauge, generator voltage and generator current meters.
  • To be supplied with a USB based digital data acquisition system complete with computer and user configurable data acquisition software capable of measuring and recording analog, digital and frequency signals.
  • Equipped with calibrated transducers and thermocouples capable of measuring boiler temperature and pressure, turbine inlet and exit temperature and pressure, turbine RPM, fuel flow rate and generator load, voltage and current.
  • All metal surfaces to be stainless steel, anodized or powder coated to promote durability and wear resistance.
  • Provided with a comprehensive Operator’s Manual with design, operation and construction information.
  • Provided with summary operating checklists for all operating conditions.
  • Provided with safety instructions to address all operating conditions.
  • To be covered by a free two year warranty.

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RankineCycler™ Specifications