Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics - Lec 19, pt 2 of 5: Ideal Rankine Cycle

Ron Hugo2 minutes read

The Rankine cycle, the most popular Vapor power cycle, consists of a pump, boiler, turbine, and condenser, with the fluid moving through various states to produce work and heat transfer, ultimately aiming for high thermal efficiency. The cycle involves pumping fluid from State 1 to State 2, heating it in the boiler from State 2 to State 3 to produce superheated steam for the turbine, which then operates to produce work before the condenser converts the steam back to liquid at State 4.

Insights

  • The Rankine cycle, a prevalent Vapor power cycle, includes a pump, boiler, turbine, and condenser, showcasing a systematic process of fluid transformation.
  • Calculating thermal efficiency in the Rankine cycle involves precise enthalpy values for components, enabling a comprehensive assessment of work and heat transfer for evaluating overall efficiency, emphasizing the importance of detailed thermodynamic analysis.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Rankine cycle?

    A thermodynamic cycle used in vapor power plants.

  • How does the Rankine cycle work?

    Fluid is pumped, heated, expanded, and condensed.

  • What are the components of the Rankine cycle?

    Pump, boiler, turbine, condenser.

  • How is the efficiency of the Rankine cycle calculated?

    By evaluating specific enthalpy values for each component.

  • What is the purpose of the condenser in the Rankine cycle?

    To convert steam back to liquid form.

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Summary

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Efficiency of Rankine Cycle in Vapor Power

  • The most popular Vapor power cycle is the Rankine cycle, consisting of a pump, boiler, turbine, and condenser.
  • In the Rankine cycle, the fluid is pumped from State 1 to State 2, then heated in the boiler from State 2 to State 3, producing superheated steam for the turbine.
  • The turbine operates from State 3 to State 4, producing work as the fluid drops in pressure, ideally ending on the saturated Vapor line at State 4.
  • The condenser then converts the steam back to liquid, rejecting thermal energy to the environment.
  • The thermal efficiency of the Rankine cycle can be calculated using specific enthalpy values for each component, allowing for the evaluation of work and heat transfer to determine overall efficiency.
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