Steam power plant. Steam propulsion ships

Summary

In this educational video, John, a former U.S. Navy officer and engineer turned math teacher, explores the fascinating world of steam cycles on ships. He explains the process of how ships are propelled by steam, detailing the journey from boiler to turbine and back to condenser. The video serves as a basic introduction to the engineering principles behind maritime steam power, emphasizing the importance of treated water to prevent rust and the efficiency of the closed-loop system. John's real-world experience and passion for both engineering and mathematics make this an engaging and informative watch for anyone curious about the inner workings of ships and power plants.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The video discusses the basic steam cycle used on board ships, with a focus on how ships are propelled through water.
• 🔍 The presenter, John, has a background as a U.S. Navy officer and engineer, providing a unique perspective on the topic.
• 🌐 The principles explained in the video apply not only to maritime technology but also to basic power plants that produce electricity on land.
• 🔥 The steam cycle begins with a boiler, which functions similarly to a large pot of water being heated on a stove, producing steam.
• 💧 The process involves heating water to create steam, which is then used to drive turbines, and the cycle is repeated by converting the steam back into water.
• 🔧 Steam is incredibly powerful, and the video emphasizes the importance of safety measures when operating steam-powered systems.
• ♻️ The video explains the importance of recapturing and reusing the water used in the steam cycle due to its chemical treatment, which prevents rust and damage to the boiler.
• 🌡️ The steam produced is initially saturated or wet, and it is further heated to become superheated or dry steam, which is safer and more efficient for use in turbines.
• 🌀 The steam passes through high-pressure and low-pressure turbines, with the exhaust from the low-pressure turbines being condensed back into water.
• 🔩 The main reduction gear, likened to a transmission, is used to reduce the speed of the turbine rotation to a level suitable for turning the ship's propeller.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video presented by John from Taba class math?

The primary focus of the video is to explain the basic steam cycle used on board ships, particularly in the context of U.S. Navy vessels.

Why does John, a math teacher, discuss steam cycles on ships?

John discusses steam cycles on ships because he has a background as a U.S. Navy officer and engineer, where he applied his math and engineering skills, and he finds the topic enjoyable and relevant to his educational content.

What percentage of ships at sea might be propelled by steam according to John's estimate?

John estimates that about 50% of the ships at sea might be propelled by steam.

What are the different types of power plants John mentions as alternatives to steam on ships?

John mentions diesel engines and gas turbines as alternatives to steam power plants on ships, comparing diesel engines to those in large trucks and gas turbines to jet engines.

How does John describe the power of steam in the context of ship propulsion?

John describes the power of steam as massive and dangerous, emphasizing its potential to move large ships through the water at significant speeds.

What is the purpose of piping steam back through the boiler after it has been generated?

The purpose of piping steam back through the boiler is to superheat it, which involves removing any remaining water to create dry steam, enhancing its power for propulsion.

Why is it critical to remove moisture from the steam before it enters the turbine?

Removing moisture from the steam is critical because water droplets can damage the turbine blades, potentially causing serious mechanical failure and dangerous situations.

What is the role of the condenser in the steam cycle process on a ship?

The condenser's role is to cool down the steam back into water, or condensate, after it has passed through the turbines, allowing for the water to be reused in the steam generation process.

Why is chemically treated water necessary in the boiler of a steam-powered ship?

Chemically treated water is necessary to prevent rust and oxidation in the boiler, which would otherwise damage the equipment and could lead to catastrophic failures.

How does the de-rating feature in the DFT (de-rating feed tank) contribute to the steam cycle process?

The de-rating feature in the DFT contributes to the steam cycle by removing oxygen from the condensate, which is a major cause of rust and boiler damage, ensuring the water is suitable for reuse in the boiler.