Steam flow rate in 2-chamber steam engine system

In summary, the system consists of a duct and a piston chamber, with the shape of a T rotated 90º clockwise. The smaller tube, P1, has an unspecified length while the piston chamber is P2. In phase 2, heated air escapes from P2 to P1 and continues to lift the piston. However, the volumetric flow rate between P1 and P2 is not conserved due to part of it being used to lift the piston. In phase 3, the heat supply is cut off and the piston's position is locked. The question is how to find the flow rate of the steam as it enters P2 in phase 2 and when the piston's position is locked in phase 3. Relevant
  • #1
Denniskwantas
3
0
Our system of interest has a duct on the left and a piston chamber on the right that make the shape of the letter T rotated 90º clockwise. The smaller tube on the left is abbreviated as P1 has an unspecified length while the piston chamber is P2. The air in P2 heats up and expands while the pressure remains constant (isobaric process). That said, heat energy (q) is supplied to the piston chamber to heat up the air and lift the piston up simultaneously.

In phase 2, the heated air escapes to P1 via the opening and heat energy is still supplied to the chamber to continue lifting the piston up. Caveat: The volumetric flow rate between P1 and P2 is not conserved because part of it goes to lifting the piston.

In phase 3, the heat supply is cut off and the position of the piston is locked in by some mechanism. The heat and vapor accrued in the isobaric expansion process in P1 will flow to P2.
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The question is conceptual rather than finding the exact number. How can I find the flow rate of the steam as it enters P2 in phase 2 and when the piston's position is locked in phase 3 ?

Here are all the relevant equations, rewritten in LaTex.

Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 9.40.19 AM.png


This is the general equation for mass flow rate which equals to the product of steam density, steam velocity and the area of the opening between P1 and P2 .

Recently I've found another equation for steam flow rate in a pipe.
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/291039

d : Pipe Inner Diameter (m)
v : Steam Velocity (m/s)
V : Specific volume (m³/kg)
m_s : Steam Flow Rate (kg/h)

Source: TLV
 
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  • #2
You refer to air. Did you mean steam?
 
  • #3
Yep. Steam it is. But it's not boiling steam though.
 
  • #4
And what is the boundary condition at the far end of P1? Is it dead ended, or is it at constant pressure? Or something else?
 
  • #5
As for the boundary conditions though, the P1 tube would be twice as long as P2 and yes, the P1 is at constant pressure with P2 as well.

I'm really interested in knowing whether the expansion of the heated moist air could lift the piston in P2 in any capacity.
 

1. What is steam flow rate in a 2-chamber steam engine system?

The steam flow rate in a 2-chamber steam engine system refers to the amount of steam that is entering and exiting the system per unit of time. It is an important factor in determining the efficiency and performance of the steam engine.

2. How is the steam flow rate measured?

The steam flow rate can be measured using a flow meter, which calculates the amount of steam passing through a specific point in the system per unit of time. This measurement is typically expressed in units of mass per unit of time, such as kg/s or lbs/hr.

3. What factors affect the steam flow rate in a 2-chamber steam engine system?

The steam flow rate can be affected by several factors, including the size and design of the steam engine, the temperature and pressure of the steam, and the size and condition of the steam pipes and valves in the system.

4. How does the steam flow rate impact the performance of a steam engine?

The steam flow rate is directly related to the power output of a steam engine. A higher steam flow rate can result in increased power and efficiency, while a lower steam flow rate can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to the engine.

5. How can the steam flow rate be controlled in a 2-chamber steam engine system?

The steam flow rate can be controlled by adjusting the size and condition of the steam pipes and valves, as well as the amount of steam being supplied to the system. It is important to carefully monitor and regulate the steam flow rate to ensure optimal performance and prevent any potential damage to the steam engine.

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