Which phenomenon reduces the theoretical maximum efficiency of a Rankine cycle steam turbine?

💡 Explanation

When steam expands through a turbine, irreversibilities during non-isentropic expansion caused by fluid friction and turbulence generate entropy, reducing the available work output as compared to ideal adiabatic expansion and theoretical maximum efficiency. Therefore, irreversibilities result, rather than blade imperfections, or subcooling which relate to other losses, or material creep relating to its components lifespan.

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