Charles Parsons Anglo-Irish engineer Date of Birth: 13.06.1854 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Charles Parsons
2. Early Life and Education
3. Invention of the Steam Turbine
4. Establishment of Companies and Achievements
5. Recognition and Legacy

Biography of Charles Parsons

Charles Parsons, an Anglo-Irish engineer, is best known for his invention of the steam turbine. He was involved in the production of dynamo machines and various modifications of turbines for marine and electrical engineering. Parsons also developed optical equipment, devised a cost-effective method of manufacturing projectors, and sold astronomical telescopes.

Early Life and Education

Charles Parsons was born in London on June 13, 1854, and was the youngest son of renowned astronomer William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse. He had an older brother, Richard Clare Parsons, with whom he built a steam-powered car that caused the first officially registered fatal car accident in 1869. Their cousin, Mary Ward, died in the accident when she was thrown from the car, sustaining fatal injuries.

Parsons studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and St. John's College, Cambridge, graduating from the latter in 1877 with a degree in mathematics. Despite his noble background, Charles became an apprentice at the engineering firm W.G. Armstrong, which was quite unconventional for someone of his social status. He later joined the company Clarke Chapman, where he led the development of electrical equipment.

Invention of the Steam Turbine

In 1884, Parsons manufactured a gas turbine engine and immediately launched it together with his modified generator. The first turbine made by Parsons was inexpensive and revolutionized the world of maritime transportation and naval affairs. From that moment, the world was forever changed. In a lecture in 1911, Charles emphasized the importance of turbine rotation speed for its optimal performance. He aimed to reduce the steam jet speed to avoid the known erosive effects of high-speed steam on metal.

Establishment of Companies and Achievements

In 1889, Parsons founded the company C.A. Parsons and Company in Newcastle for the production of turbo-generators based on his principles. With a keen interest in the marine industry, Charles also established the Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company and obtained patents for the use of turbo-generators at sea. In June 1897, his destroyer "Turbinia" demonstrated high speeds, reaching up to 34 knots, during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee naval review.

The first 1 MW turbo-generator built by Parsons was commissioned for Elberfeld, Germany, in 1899. In the same year, the Royal Navy introduced the destroyers HMS Viper and HMS Cobra, both equipped with Parsons' turbines. The first turbine appeared on the passenger ship TS King Edward in 1901. The legendary destroyer "Turbinia" is now housed in the purpose-built gallery of the Discovery Museum in Newcastle.

Today, Parsons' turbine manufacturing company is part of the German conglomerate Siemens and is sometimes referred to as "Siemens Parsons." It has undergone extensive reconstruction and incorporates state-of-the-art production technologies. In 1925, Parsons acquired the telescope manufacturing company Grubb Telescope Company, which then became known as Grubb Parsons. This company existed until 1985.

Recognition and Legacy

Charles Parsons was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in June 1898 and was awarded the Rumford Medal in 1902. He was knighted in 1911 and became a member of the Order of Merit in 1927. Parsons passed away on February 11, 1931, aboard the liner Duchess of Richmond during a cruise with his wife.