How Can Isentropic Efficiency Be 90% If Entropy Remains Constant?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of isentropic efficiency in nozzles, particularly addressing the apparent contradiction between a stated isentropic efficiency of 90% and the condition that the entropy at the inlet and outlet of the nozzle is equal. Participants explore the implications of these conditions on the thermodynamic behavior of the nozzle.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the entropy can remain constant at the inlet and outlet if the isentropic efficiency is less than one, suggesting a misunderstanding of the term "isentropic efficiency."
  • Another participant proposes that there may be heat transfer occurring in the nozzle, which could explain the discrepancy.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that isentropic efficiency compares actual performance to ideal isentropic performance, implying that constant entropy would indicate 100% efficiency.
  • Some participants express confusion over the problem statement, noting that if the inlet and outlet entropies are equal, it contradicts the notion of 90% efficiency, which would typically suggest a change in entropy.
  • There is a repeated concern regarding the clarity of the notes provided by the original poster, with some participants questioning whether the problem is correctly stated, particularly regarding the terms "turbine" and "nozzle."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of isentropic efficiency and the implications of constant entropy in this context. The discussion remains unresolved with ongoing questions about the problem's validity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential ambiguities in the problem statement, particularly concerning the definitions and roles of enthalpy and entropy in the context of nozzle efficiency. There is also uncertainty about the relevance of the provided notes to the problem at hand.

VooDoo
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Hey guys,

I have been given that the isentropic efficiency of a nozzle = 90%. Inlet condictions are: 5MPa and 550°C and exit: 100kPa.

Now \eta_{n}(h_{i} - h_{0}) = V^{2}_{i}/2

h(o) - h(i) is the enthalpy drop across the turbine.

Now next they say that s(o) = s(i). Now how can the entropy at the entrance of the nozzle be equal to the entropy at the exit if the isentropic efficiency of the nozzle is not equal to one!

Here is a picture of my notes:
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/6140/111nm6.jpg
 
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Maybe there is heat transfer out of your nozzle?
 
The isentropic efficiency is a type of efficiency that is defined by dividing the actual work output or KE output to the isentropic output. Why do you assume for your nozzle that it is isentropic when you are given the efficiency?
 
VooDoo said:
Hey guys,

I have been given that the isentropic efficiency of a nozzle = 90%. Inlet condictions are: 5MPa and 550°C and exit: 100kPa.

Now \eta_{n}(h_{i} - h_{0}) = V^{2}_{i}/2

h(o) - h(i) is the enthalpy drop across the turbine.

Now next they say that s(o) = s(i). Now how can the entropy at the entrance of the nozzle be equal to the entropy at the exit if the isentropic efficiency of the nozzle is not equal to one!


Reiterating what FredGarvin was saying...the term "isentropic efficiency" refers to a comparsion between actual performance and the ideal isentropic performace. If s(o) = s(i), then yes, the efficiency would be 100%. I think you just misunderstood the usage of the words.
\frac{V_{2}^2/2}{(V_{2}^2/2)_{s}}
OR
\frac{h_{1}-h_{2}}{h_{1}-h_{2s}}
 
let me get this straight ,the question is wrong isn't it ?..cos his notes clearly mention that inlet entropy is equal to outlet entropy=7.131 kj/kgK and yet the question says that isentropic efficiency is 90 % how can both of this be true ?

90 % would mean a curved expansion graph, in which the initial entropy would be different from final entropy which means S(I) and S(O) can't be same ,right ?
 
Mechaniac said:
let me get this straight ,the question is wrong isn't it ?..cos his notes clearly mention that inlet entropy is equal to outlet entropy=7.131 kj/kgK and yet the question says that isentropic efficiency is 90 % how can both of this be true ?

90 % would mean a curved expansion graph, in which the initial entropy would be different from final entropy which means S(I) and S(O) can't be same ,right ?


Yes, the notes are unclear and seem to have no relevance to the problem stated by the original poster. Turbine...nozzle...which is it?
 

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