Final answer:
An electrohydraulic governor is widely used with small turbine installations to control speed, providing precise and quick speed regulation through a combination of electrical control and hydraulic actuation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of governor widely used with small turbine installations to control the speed is electrohydraulic. Governors are essential for regulating the speed of turbines by adjusting the flow of working fluid in response to changing load conditions, ensuring the turbine operates within its design limits for efficiency and safety. Electrohydraulic governors are preferred in many small turbine systems because they combine electrical control with hydraulic actuation, offering precise speed control, quick response, and adaptability to various operating conditions.
For example, in hydroelectric installations, the gravitational potential energy of stored water is converted into electromotive force (emf) via a turbine. The flowing water gains kinetic energy, which rotates the turbine blades connected to a generator, converting the mechanical energy into electricity. An electrohydraulic governor would manage this process by ensuring the turbine operates at the optimal speed for energy conversion efficiency.