September 2024

What are the Major Differences Between Gas Turbine and Steam Turbine?

The evolution of industrial power generation has witnessed two major types of turbines, each with unique characteristics: gas turbines and steam turbines. Both play important roles in power plants, but their design, operational dynamics, and applications differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for industries looking to optimise power generation.

In this blog, we discuss the major differences between gas turbines and steam turbines while highlighting how Triveni Turbines’ steam turbines provide sustainable, efficient, and reliable solutions tailored for various industries.

Overview of Gas and Steam Turbines

Before discussing the differences between gas turbines and steam turbines, it’s essential to understanding the core principles of each.

Gas turbines function on the principle of air compression and combustion. Air is first compressed and then mixed with fuel before being ignited to produce energy. This results in high-temperature and high-pressure gases expanding and flowing through the turbine blades, creating rotary motion. This rotary motion drives a generator, producing electricity. Gas turbines are predominantly used in aviation, power generation, and certain marine and land vehicles.

On the other hand, steam turbines operate by using high-pressure steam generated from water heated by various fuel sources such as coal, nuclear, and thermal renewable energy. The steam passes through turbine blades, causing them to rotate, which in turn drives an electrical generator. Steam turbines are primarily used in power plants, particularly for nuclear and coal-fired energy production, making them a cornerstone in traditional power generation.

Now, let’s explore the steam turbine and gas turbine differences.

Optimising Efficiency

One of the primary gas turbine and steam turbine difference lies in their efficiency. While gas turbines are highly efficient in specific applications such as aviation and gas-fired power plants, steam turbines generally offer higher overall efficiency in the industrial captive power plant, and combined heat and power plant.

Steam turbines work on the Rankine cycle, where water is heated into steam, expanding through the steam turbine. This design is optimised for continuous operation, making steam turbines more efficient for long-term, steady-state energy production, particularly in large power plants.

This advantage is particularly crucial in industries where sustainable power generation is critical. Triveni Turbine’s high-efficiency steam turbines allow for a lower carbon footprint while enhancing operational cost-effectiveness, making them the ideal solution for modern power generation.

Operational Flexibility

A notable difference between gas turbines and steam turbines is their scalability. On one hand, steam turbines can be customised to meet various power generation needs, from small-scale industrial plants to large city-wide grids. Unlike gas turbines, which are optimal for intermittent use or shorter operational cycles, steam turbines excel at providing a steady, uninterrupted power supply. This capability makes them ideal for power plants, where reliability and consistency are paramount. 

As an OEM, Triveni Turbines excels in manufacturing and customising steam turbines, allowing businesses to tailor their turbines for optimal performance. Moreover, our aftermarket services also provide clients with ongoing support and steam turbine performance enhancement, ensuring that power plants operate at peak efficiency for longer periods.

Design and Motion

Gas turbines and steam turbines both create the rotary motion that drives electrical generators. However, the way this motion is achieved differentiates between gas turbine and steam turbine.

Gas turbines produce rotary motion, but they often use reciprocating engines in some applications, which can cause more wear and tear. This can result in higher maintenance needs compared to the smoother and more efficient operation of steam turbines.

On the other hand, the innovative design of Triveni Turbines’ steam turbines ensure reliable power generation while also reducing costs associated with repairs and downtime. This increases efficiency and ensures reliable performance in heavy-duty industrial applications. The continuous and high-speed rotary motion allows for powerful electricity generation, particularly in large-scale geothermal power plants and utility power plants.

Environmental Impact

With growing concerns over climate change and the global shift toward green technology, the environmental impact of industrial power generation has become a major factor. 

Gas turbines are primarily fuelled by natural gas, contributing to carbon emissions. While, steam turbines are often part of sustainable power solutions, especially when integrated into systems like waste-to-energy plants and renewable energy initiatives. 

Triveni Turbine’ high-efficiency steam turbines contribute directly to lowering the carbon footprint of industrial power plants. Our turbines support the shift toward sustainable power generation by optimising energy output while minimising waste.

Proven Reliability

Steam turbines have a long history of success in the energy industry, with over a century of use in power generation. This proven technology has evolved to meet modern demands, making it a global leader in steam turbine innovation. 

Triveni Turbines has been at the forefront of this evolution, providing steam turbine solutions to industries worldwide. Our innovative technology ensures that steam turbines are equipped to meet today’s energy demands and adapt to future requirements. Unlike gas turbines, which may experience more wear due to reciprocating components, steam turbines offer smoother, more durable operation for long-term use.

Which One is Right for You?

Both gas and steam turbines have specific applications and varying characteristics. However, you will have to select a turbine based on the nature and energy requirements of your business to the maximum benefit. 

As businesses continue to adopt more eco-friendly technologies, steam turbines have a significant role in supporting sustainable and green energy initiatives. Triveni Turbines has always been at the centre of this energy transition, offering innovative steam turbine designs that improve operational efficiency and help businesses meet their sustainability targets.