Steam Turbine

Discovered by: Charles Algernon Parsons in 1884.

What is it? The steam turbine is a form of heat engine that derives much of its improvement in thermodynamic efficiency from the use of multiple stages in the expansion of the steam, which results in a closer approach to the ideal reversible expansion process.

Why is it important? Because the turbine generates rotary motion, it is particularly suited to be used to drive an electrical generator—about 85\% of all electricity generation in the United States in the year 2014 was by use of steam turbines. [Image - US775634A]