Carnot Efficiency vs Rankine Efficiency

In summary, Carnot Efficiency and Rankine Efficiency are two measures of efficiency for heat engines. Carnot Efficiency is the theoretical maximum efficiency that a heat engine can achieve, while Rankine Efficiency takes into account real-world limitations. Although Rankine Efficiency is always lower than Carnot Efficiency, they approach each other as temperatures get closer. Several factors, such as temperature difference and working fluid, affect the efficiency of a heat engine. Understanding the difference between Carnot and Rankine Efficiency is important in optimizing the performance of power plants and other heat engines for economic and environmental benefits.
  • #1
mm391
66
0
Hi,

Given value of top and bottom temperatures can anyone explain why the Ideal Carnot Cycle is more efficient than the Rankine cycle but why the Rankine is the preferred model? I know that in the Carnot the pump would have to be able to deal with a mixture of steam and water and the turbine would have to be able to deal with wet steam (which is obviously not good).

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The Rankine cycle is practicable for the same reasons you stated.

Carnot cycle also assumes a 100% isentropic turbine, which is not achievable in reality.
 

What is Carnot Efficiency?

Carnot Efficiency is the theoretical maximum efficiency that a heat engine can achieve when operating between two temperatures. It was first described by French physicist Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot in 1824.

What is Rankine Efficiency?

Rankine Efficiency is the actual efficiency of a steam cycle power plant, taking into account real-world limitations such as friction and heat loss. It is named after Scottish engineer William John Macquorn Rankine.

How are Carnot Efficiency and Rankine Efficiency related?

Carnot Efficiency and Rankine Efficiency are related in that Rankine Efficiency is always lower than Carnot Efficiency due to the aforementioned real-world limitations. However, the two efficiencies approach each other as the temperatures used in the heat engine get closer.

What factors affect the efficiency of a heat engine?

The efficiency of a heat engine, whether it be Carnot or Rankine, is affected by several factors including the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs, the type of working fluid used, and the design and efficiency of the engine itself.

How is Carnot Efficiency vs Rankine Efficiency relevant to real-world applications?

Understanding the difference between Carnot Efficiency and Rankine Efficiency is important in the design and operation of power plants and other heat engines. It allows engineers to optimize the performance of these systems and improve overall efficiency, which can have significant economic and environmental impacts.

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