The mass flow rate in a regenerative vapor power cycle remains constant throughout the entire system at steady state, as dictated by the principle of conservation of mass. This principle asserts that the mass entering any system must equal the mass exiting, thus confirming that variations in flow rates before turbines or after feedwater heaters do not occur under steady-state conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these fundamental thermodynamic principles in the analysis of vapor power cycles.
PREREQUISITESEngineers, thermodynamicists, and students studying mechanical engineering or energy systems who are interested in the analysis and optimization of vapor power cycles.