prime mover

mechanics

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June 17, 2026

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A "prime mover" is an initial source of motive power that modifies and applies force and motion to drive machinery. This can include natural sources like wind or water, or engines such as turbines or internal combustion engines. In essence, prime movers convert energy from a natural source into mechanical energy.12

Examples of prime movers include:
* Windmills12
* Waterwheels12
* Turbines12
* Internal combustion engines12
* Steam engines2

These devices are fundamental to mechanics, providing the initial power that can then be used to operate other machines or systems.2

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jet engine
The prime mover
The gas turbine operates on the Brayton cycle in which the working fluid is a continuous flow of air ingested into the engine’s inlet. The air is first compressed by a turbocompressor to a pressure ratio of typically 10 to 40 times the…
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The gas turbine operates on the Brayton cycle in which the working fluid is a continuous flow of air ingested into the engine’s inlet. The air is first compressed by a turbocompressor to a pressure ratio of typically 10 to 40 times the…
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machine
…mechanical energy are known as prime movers. Windmills, waterwheels, turbines, steam engines, and internal-combustion engines are prime movers. In these machines the inputs vary; the outputs are usually rotating shafts capable of being used as inputs to other machines, such as electric generators, hydraulic pumps, or air compressors. All three…
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…mechanical energy are known as prime movers. Windmills, waterwheels, turbines, steam engines, and internal-combustion engines are prime movers. In these machines the inputs vary; the outputs are usually rotating shafts capable of being used as inputs to other machines, such as electric generators, hydraulic pumps, or air compressors. All three…
Read More

windmill
…windmills were among the original prime movers that replaced human beings as a source of power. The use of windmills was increasingly widespread in Europe from the 12th century until the early 19th century. Their slow decline, because of the development of steam power, lasted for a further 100 years.…
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…windmills were among the original prime movers that replaced human beings as a source of power. The use of windmills was increasingly widespread in Europe from the 12th century until the early 19th century. Their slow decline, because of the development of steam power, lasted for a further 100 years.…
Read More