Turbo generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A turbo generator is a turbine directly connected to an electric generator for the generation of electric power. Large Steam powered turbo generators (steam turbine generators) provide the majority of the world's electricity and are also used by steam powered, turbo-electric ships.
Smaller turbo-generators with gas turbines are often used as auxiliary power units. For base loads diesel generators are usually preferred, since they offer much better fuel-efficiency and are also more reliable, but on the other hand they are much heavier and need more space.
The efficiency of larger gas turbine plants can be enhanced, if the hot exhaust gases are used to generate steam which drives another turbo generator.
- For more details on this topic, see combined cycle.
Turbo generators were also used on steam locomotives as a power source for coach lighting and heating systems.
