Open loop rankine cycle with no condenser

In summary, the conversation is about a project involving a small scale parabolic trough concentrator to generate electricity for pumping water for irrigation. The question is whether an open loop Rankine cycle with no condenser is applicable in this situation and if the efficiency will be decreased significantly. The purpose of removing the condenser is to reduce cost, but it may result in wasteful use of water. The project targets rural areas and needs to be simple.
  • #1
sam_89
9
0
Hello,

I'm working on a small scale parabolic trough concentrator project to generate electricity.
This electricity is used for pumping water for irrigation,and I want to use an open loop Rankine cycle with no condenser(if it is applicable),to reduce cost,with the steam exhausting directly into the atmosphere.
So is it applicable? and how much the efficiency is decreased in this case?
Please provide me with detailed explanation if possible

Thank you
 
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  • #2
If you are trying to power an irrigation system, it would seem that the amount of water available is rather limited. Venting exhaust steam to atmosphere would be rather wasteful in this situation, IMO, and would reduce the amount of water actually delivered to the crop.
 
  • #3
This is a small scale project,the surface of the terrain is small,the system will function a few hours,so the amount of water lost is not huge.the idea is to check if removing the condenser and saving its cost, is beneficial in this application or not,although the efficiency of the rankine cycle will decrease .The question is how much will it decrease and is it worth removing the condenser ,in this case.
This system need to be as simple as possible,It will be used in rural areas.
 

1. What is an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser?

An open loop rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used in power plants to generate electricity. It involves heating a working fluid, usually water, to produce steam which then drives a turbine to generate electricity. A condenser is a device used in the cycle to cool and condense the steam back into liquid form. However, in an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser, the steam is not condensed and is released as waste, resulting in a less efficient cycle.

2. Why is a condenser not used in an open loop rankine cycle?

A condenser is not used in an open loop rankine cycle for various reasons. One reason is that it adds complexity and cost to the system. Another reason is that in some applications, such as in geothermal power plants, there may not be a readily available cooling source for the condenser to function properly.

3. How does the absence of a condenser affect the efficiency of an open loop rankine cycle?

The absence of a condenser in an open loop rankine cycle leads to a decrease in efficiency. This is because without a condenser, the steam is not fully utilized and is released as waste, resulting in a lower energy output.

4. What are the advantages of using an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser?

The main advantage of using an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser is cost savings. Without the need for a condenser, the overall cost of the system is reduced. Additionally, in certain applications where a cooling source is not readily available, an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser may be the only feasible option.

5. Are there any environmental concerns associated with an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser?

Yes, there are potential environmental concerns associated with an open loop rankine cycle with no condenser. The release of steam into the environment can contribute to air pollution and may also have an impact on local ecosystems. However, these concerns can be mitigated through proper emissions control measures and careful site selection.

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