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Which of the following is prime mover ?
Steam turbine
Solar energy
Electric heater
None of above
Steam turbine
A prime mover is a machine that converts energy from a natural source (thermal, potential, kinetic) into mechanical energy. In power systems, the steam turbine acts as the prime mover by converting the heat energy of steam into rotational mechanical energy to drive an alternator.
A prime mover is a machine that converts energy from a natural source (thermal, potential, kinetic) into mechanical energy. In power systems, the steam turbine acts as the prime mover by converting the heat energy of steam into rotational mechanical energy to drive an alternator.
PmechтАЛ=╧ДтЛЕ╧Й тАФ Mechanical power produced by the prime mover in terms of torque (╧Д) and angular velocity (╧Й)
EgтАЛ=60тЛЕApтЛЕ╧ХтЛЕZтЛЕNтАЛ тАФ EMF generated in the alternator coupled to the prime mover
High-pressure, high-temperature steam enters the turbine nozzle where it expands, converting its enthalpy into kinetic energy. This high-velocity steam strikes the turbine blades mounted on a rotor, creating a torque that rotates the shaft. This rotating shaft serves as the mechanical input for an electrical generator.
Prime movers are the primary source of mechanical energy in power generation.
Common types include steam turbines, gas turbines, hydraulic turbines (water wheels), and internal combustion engines.
The prime mover determines the speed and load-following characteristics of the connected generator.
Electric heaters are energy consumers, not energy converters that produce mechanical motion.
High efficiency in large-scale power conversion
Reliable steady-state operation at synchronous speeds
High inertia, making rapid frequency response challenging
Requires significant auxiliary systems (boilers, condensers for steam turbines)
Thermal power plants
Nuclear power plants
Hydroelectric stations
A prime mover must provide torque to rotate the rotor of an alternator at synchronous speed.
Solar energy is a primary energy source, not a machine or device. Electric heaters convert electrical energy into thermal energy, which is the opposite of the mechanical conversion required for a prime mover.
A is correct тАФ Steam turbine is a mechanical device that converts the thermal energy of pressurized steam into mechanical rotational energy, functioning as a prime mover.
Always distinguish between energy sources (e.g., Solar, Coal) and conversion devices (e.g., Turbines, Alternators, Motors). A prime mover is strictly a mechanical conversion device.