Introduction to Turbomachines: Hydropower and Historical Development

This lecture provides an introduction to turbomachines, focusing on hydropower systems and their historical evolution. It begins with a definition of turbomachines, which are devices that extract or transfer energy from a fluid. The instructor discusses various types of turbomachines, including hydraulic turbines and pumps, and their applications in energy generation. Historical milestones are highlighted, such as the invention of the first steam turbine by Hero of Alexandria and the development of hydraulic reaction turbines by Euler. The lecture also covers the significance of hydropower in the global energy landscape, detailing different types of hydropower plants, including storage and run-of-river plants. The instructor emphasizes the importance of hydropower in Switzerland, where it accounts for a significant portion of electricity production. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the future of hydropower, addressing challenges such as climate change and the need for innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in energy production.