The evolution of central station steam turbines

Abstract

Over the past century the steam turbine has evolved from an experimental device to become the major source of electric power generation in the United States. The history of the device can be traced partly through the work of Westinghouse Electric, which has been active from the earliest days. Topics discussed in this paper are grouped under the following headings: Evolution of the Industry, Rankine cycle, Regenerative cycle, Reheat cycle, Multiple reheat, Moisture separation, External moisture removal, Steam-to-steam reheat, Materials, Cycle effects, Steam conditions, Nuclear Turbines, Design analysis/product performance, Product and development testing, Current and future trends.