Calculating Area of a Tesla Turbine | Power Output Formula

In summary, the conversation discusses a paper on the performance of Tesla turbines. The paper includes a formula for calculating power output, but it is unclear how to deduce the area from the formula. The equation may not be applicable to Tesla turbines due to their unique design. The efficiency of Tesla turbines is lower compared to other turbines and they are driven by boundary layer drag. The Tesla name may receive more attention than the turbine's actual capabilities.
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TL;DR Summary
The power that can be generated by a Tesla turbine can be deduced by using a formula that has been given in a equation in given document. Want to know how the area (mentioned in the formula) can be determined for Tesla turbine.
Found this paper regarding performance of Tesla turbine. At the page 23, a formula regarding possible power output from a Tesla turbine is given. But, I want to know how to deduce the area given the formula. Tesla turbines are discs placed one after another with specific gaps in between the discs. I want to know, whether it's just the area of only one side of a single disc or both front and back part of all the discs that will come into contact with the flow.
 
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  • #2
Page 12 of the paper, is on page 23 of the pdf file.
The equation is at the bottom of that page.
I believe that is a general equation, where area refers to the flow section of the turbine, not applicable directly to a Tesla turbine.
 
  • #3
You want to mean that this equation can hardly describe the output for Tesla turbine, right? Me too have some doubt about that part. In case of common market available turbines, the driving force is either impulse or reaction. But, for a Tesla turbine, it's totally different. That's why this equation can't properly define the output IMO.
 
  • #4
Correct.

The Tesla turbine is very inefficient compared to other turbines. I have yet to see a justified application.

The Tesla turbine is driven by boundary layer drag on the disc surfaces. Those close plates also create a back pressure that blocks the exhaust, reducing efficiency.

Because it has the Tesla name, it receives attention that it does not deserve.
 
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FAQ: Calculating Area of a Tesla Turbine | Power Output Formula

What is the basic formula for calculating the area of a Tesla turbine?

The basic formula for calculating the area of a Tesla turbine is derived from the area of the disks. If you have n disks, each with a radius r, the area A can be calculated using the formula A = n * π * r². This formula assumes that the disks are closely stacked and that the effective area is the sum of the areas of the individual disks.

How do you determine the power output of a Tesla turbine?

The power output of a Tesla turbine can be estimated using the formula P = η * ρ * Q * ΔP, where P is the power output, η is the efficiency of the turbine, ρ is the density of the fluid, Q is the volumetric flow rate, and ΔP is the pressure drop across the turbine. This formula provides a theoretical maximum power output, which can be adjusted based on real-world inefficiencies.

What factors affect the efficiency of a Tesla turbine?

The efficiency of a Tesla turbine is influenced by several factors, including the viscosity of the working fluid, the smoothness and spacing of the disks, the precision of the turbine construction, and the operating speed. High viscosity fluids and poor disk alignment can significantly reduce efficiency, while precise engineering and optimal operating conditions can enhance it.

How does the spacing between the disks impact the performance of a Tesla turbine?

The spacing between the disks of a Tesla turbine is critical for its performance. If the disks are too close together, the boundary layer effect may not develop properly, reducing efficiency. Conversely, if the disks are too far apart, the fluid may not effectively transfer its energy to the disks. Optimal spacing typically ranges from 0.1 to 1 millimeter, depending on the fluid and operational conditions.

Can a Tesla turbine be used with any type of fluid?

While a Tesla turbine can theoretically operate with various fluids, its performance is highly dependent on fluid properties such as viscosity and density. Low-viscosity fluids like air and steam are commonly used because they allow for higher efficiency. High-viscosity fluids can cause significant energy losses due to increased friction, reducing the turbine's overall efficiency.

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