Is an Ideal Cycle Possible? Examining Enthalpy Values in a Lab Experiment

  • Thread starter Thread starter skaboy607
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cycle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An ideal cycle is not achievable in real-world applications due to inherent irreversibilities, although experimental setups can yield results that closely approximate ideal conditions. In a lab experiment involving a refrigeration setup, varying evaporator voltage while maintaining constant condenser pressure resulted in specific enthalpy values that were nearly identical to those calculated under isentropic compression conditions. This finding challenges the assumption that ideal cycles are impossible, suggesting that practical experiments can yield results that closely align with theoretical models.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic cycles
  • Familiarity with enthalpy and isentropic processes
  • Knowledge of refrigeration systems and their components
  • Basic principles of pressure and temperature relationships in gases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thermodynamic irreversibilities
  • Explore advanced refrigeration cycle analysis techniques
  • Learn about the impact of varying evaporator and condenser pressures on system performance
  • Investigate methods for approximating ideal cycles in practical applications
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in thermodynamics, mechanical engineers, and researchers involved in refrigeration technology and cycle efficiency optimization.

skaboy607
Messages
103
Reaction score
0
Is an ideal cycle possible? In a lab experiment that I have carried out, my enthalpy values for the cycle and the cycle assuming isentropic compression look like they are the same. I thought this was impossible but I am doubting myself now?

Thanks

Will
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
skaboy607 said:
Is an ideal cycle possible? In a lab experiment that I have carried out, my enthalpy values for the cycle and the cycle assuming isentropic compression look like they are the same. I thought this was impossible but I am doubting myself now?

Thanks

Will

An ideal cycle is not achievable in reality due to irreversibilities. However, you may get arbitrarily close. What does your lab consist of exactly?

CS
 
We had a refrigeration setup and we varied the evaporator volts which varied the pressure whilst keeping the condensor pressure constant. At one particular pressure, the specific enthalpy and specific enthalpy (based on isentropic compression) are very close if not the same.

Will
 

Similar threads

How to estimate enthalpy change across a compressor in simple vapor compression cycle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Expansion in non-adiabatic Otto / Diesel cycles
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Designing an Actual Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Reciprocating Piston Pump Air/N2 SCFM Flow
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Water's Crucial Role in the Efficiency of Kalina Cycle Power Generation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Efficiency of Stirling Cycle - Is it the same as the Carnot Engine?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Isentropic Relations for Real Gas in Converging-Diverging nozzle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Undergrad Difference calculating enthalpy change by using thermodynamic table A-17 vs. A-2 with integration
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
992
Undergrad Irreversible Isochoric Process in a Cycle
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Dryness fraction of saturated steam
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K