Development of an efficient boundary layer turbine electrical generation system for HRSG applications

The boundary layer turbine, also known as the Tesla turbine, was invented and patented in 1913 by Nikola Tesla and has remained one of today´s most underutilised designs. It is the purpose of this paper to present the development of such a system which can be used in modern heat recovery steam generator systems replacing or complimenting axial turbine designs used for electrical generation plants. Historical research has shown isentropic efficiencies of single stage units of up to 55% with a conversion efficiency of up to 95%. These figures are extraordinary when comparing them to the complexity of modern multi stage reaction turbo generators versus the simplicity in construction of the Tesla turbine. Based on experimental observation, this study will attempt to identify the requirements which could make such a system an industrial candidate in areas such as power utility plants, geo thermal plants and other areas where the working fluids can vary vastly.