Enthelpy and Isentropic compression/expansion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculations of specific work done by an isentropic compressor in an ideal Rankine cycle, specifically addressing discrepancies between two expressions for work: one based on enthalpy differences and the other on specific volume and pressure differences.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents calculations for specific work done by an isentropic pump, noting a significant discrepancy between two methods of calculation.
  • The first method uses the enthalpy difference (Wpump = h2 - h1), while the second method uses the specific volume and pressure difference (Wpump = v(P2 - P1)).
  • Another participant questions whether the liquid water is saturated in both states, suggesting that this could affect the calculations.
  • A later reply indicates an assumption that the water is a saturated liquid at both states, but notes that due to the isentropic process, the state at P2 is likely a compressed liquid.
  • There is a reiteration of the assumption regarding the state of water at both points, confirming the understanding of the process involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the state of the water at the two points in the cycle, with some suggesting it is saturated while others propose it is a compressed liquid at state 2. No consensus is reached regarding the cause of the discrepancy in the work calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in assumptions regarding the states of water and the implications of isentropic processes on those states, which may affect the calculations presented.

RoRoRo
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In a certain thermodynamics textbook, specific work done by an isentropic compressor/pump in an ideal rankine cycles, is given by the following;

Wpump = h2 - h1
Wpump = v(P2 - P1), where v = v1

When I carry out these two calculations between any two states, I get vastly different answers.

For example, compressor in a rankine cycle operating between the following conditions for saturated water;

P1 = 20 kPa
v1 = 0.001017 m3/kg
h1 = 251.42 kJ/kg

P2 = 500 kPa
h2 = 640.09 kJ/kg

Wpump = h2 - h1 = 640090 - 251420 = 388 670 J/kg

Wpump in = v(P2 - P1) = 0.001017 ( 500000 - 20000 ) = 488.16 J/kg

I assume that I'm missing something. Is there any explanation for why I'm seeing such a huge discrepancy in results for two supposedly equivalent expressions?
 
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Is the liquid water saturated in both states?
 
I was assuming that the water was a saturated liquid at both states but because the process is isentropic, its actually a compressed liquid at state 2. I think...
 
RoRoRo said:
I was assuming that the water was a saturated liquid at both states but because the process is isentropic, its actually a compressed liquid at state 2. I think...
Correct.
 

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