Short Answer:

Governing of turbines means controlling the speed of a turbine by adjusting the flow of water or steam entering the turbine. This helps maintain a constant speed, especially when the load on the turbine changes.

It is an important function because turbines run generators that need to produce electricity at a steady frequency. Governing ensures safe operation, protects machinery from damage, and provides smooth and stable power supply even during varying demand.

Detailed Explanation:

Governing of turbines

Governing of turbines refers to the method of regulating and controlling the speed of a turbine by adjusting the amount of fluid (usually water or steam) that flows into it. In hydro or steam turbines, load variations occur due to changes in power demand. If this fluid flow is not properly controlled, the turbine may either speed up or slow down too much, leading to mechanical damage or unstable electricity supply.

The main objective of governing is to keep the turbine speed constant under all load conditions. When the load increases, more fluid is allowed into the turbine, and when the load decreases, the fluid supply is reduced. This continuous adjustment is done by a device called a governor, which senses speed changes and corrects the flow accordingly.

There are different types of governing mechanisms used depending on the type of turbine and application. In hydro turbines, the flow of water is controlled using guide vanes or spear valves. In steam turbines, nozzles or valves regulate the entry of steam. The entire process is either mechanical, hydraulic, electronic, or a combination of these systems.

A good governing system must respond quickly, operate smoothly, and prevent overspeeding or hunting (frequent fluctuations in speed). It helps protect the generator, maintain grid stability, and ensure reliable and continuous power generation. Modern turbines often use electronic governors with sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLC) for fast and accurate response.

Functions of governing:

• Maintains constant turbine speed
• Matches power output with load demand
• Protects turbine and generator from mechanical stress
• Prevents frequency fluctuations in the power system
• Ensures long life and safety of the equipment

Without proper governing, a turbine could become unstable during operation, leading to inefficient energy conversion, power losses, and damage to critical parts.

In summary, the governing of turbines is an essential part of turbine operation in any power generation setup. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the turbine operates within safe speed limits and responds properly to load changes.

Conclusion:

Governing of turbines means regulating the speed of the turbine by controlling the fluid flow to match the load demand. It keeps the turbine running at a steady speed, ensures safe performance, and helps deliver a stable power supply. A good governing system is necessary for the efficient and safe working of both the turbine and the entire power plant.