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sid_galt
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I've heard a lot about Tesla turbines so I was wondering if there was a way to compress air using Tesla turbines. Can it be done?
FredGarvin said:...but it would not be as efficient as an axial, centrifugal or reciprocating compressor.
Boy. I sure hope they have more of a life than to come after me for that!Averagesupernova said:Of course you realize the Tesla worshipping fools will send you hate mail now.
Here's a very old, but interesting article on the Tesla Turbine:Averagesupernova said:Well Fred, some of them are pretty 'out there'. I don't know how much research you have done on Tesla, but it can be pretty interesting.
Yeah, and that one is especially appealing and readable.FredGarvin said:That's a good article. I love reading articles and texts from the old days.
FredGarvin said:By true definition, pumps do not create pressure, they create flow. The pump imparts a velocity on the fluid. Pressure is created by the back pressure of the piping system attached to them that trys to restrict the flow. Depending on how you used such a pump, or series of pumps would be more likely, you possible could compress a fluid, but it would not be as efficient as an axial, centrifugal or reciprocating compressor.
NateTG said:It's odd that you see it that way. Pumps and compressors are really the same sort of thing. They might have different characteristics, but both produce pressure differences and flow rates. (It's very much like voltage (pressure) and current (flow rate) in electricity.)
I can see how you can say that. I think of it in terms like that and it has never steered me wrong. True, you do get a slight rise in static pressure across the pump, especially in a centrifugal when you get a static head rise in the diffuser or volute, but I think the lion's share of any presure is going to be a result of the piping you attach the pump to. Like Clausius said, take the downstream piping off of the outlet of a pump so it is discharging to atmosphere. What have you got?NateTG said:It's odd that you see it that way. Pumps and compressors are really the same sort of thing. They might have different characteristics, but both produce pressure differences and flow rates. (It's very much like voltage (pressure) and current (flow rate) in electricity.)
A Tesla turbine is a type of turbine that uses a series of closely spaced discs to create rotational energy. The discs are designed with angled grooves that allow fluid to pass through and create a vortex, which in turn rotates the discs and generates energy.
Compression can be achieved through Tesla turbines by utilizing the rotational energy generated by the turbine to compress a gas or fluid. This can be done by connecting the turbine to a compressor, which will increase the pressure and density of the gas or fluid.
Tesla turbines offer several advantages for compression, including compact size, high efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. They also have the ability to handle a wide range of gas or fluid types, making them versatile for various applications.
One limitation of using Tesla turbines for compression is their lower pressure capabilities compared to other types of compressors. They may also be more prone to wear and tear due to the high rotational speeds required for operation.
Tesla turbines can be used for compression in various industries, including power generation, oil and gas, refrigeration, and air conditioning. They can also be used in small-scale applications such as home compressors or for compressed air storage. Additionally, Tesla turbines can be utilized in renewable energy systems, such as using compressed air to store energy from wind or solar sources.