impulse turbine
- noun
- /ˈɪmˌpʌls ˈtɜːrbaɪn/
- Specialized
- The engineers chose to install an impulse turbine for its efficiency in high-head, low-flow applications.
Examples
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Maintenance of an impulse turbine is often simpler due to the absence of pressure casings around the rotor.
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Unlike a reaction turbine, an impulse turbine operates by converting the kinetic energy of a fluid into mechanical work.
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The impulse turbine generates power from water jets.
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Many engineers prefer the impulse turbine for its efficiency.
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The Turgo impulse turbine uses a jet of water to strike the enclosed water wheel at an angle, efficiently converting water's kinetic energy to power.
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Because the impulse turbine directs jets of fluid at its blades, it can generate significant power even with lower water heads.
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In hydroelectric plants, the impulse turbine is preferred for its ability to generate power using fast-moving streams of water.
Synonyms
A machine that uses moving water, steam, or air to turn blades and make power
How Driven
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally built: combining 'impulse' (a force or change in momentum) with 'turbine' (a device driven by fluid) yields a turbine driven by impulse of the fluid. This follows ordinary English noun–noun compounding and is directly inferable from the constituents, so a learner who knows both words can understand the meaning.
Etymology
Impulse turbine is named for the simple image of a strong impulse or 'push' from jets of water or steam hitting the turbine blades. Because the blades turn mainly from that direct 'push', the name explains how the machine makes the wheel turn.