Rate of flow - thermal physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of air flow needed to extract waste power from an air-cooled engine, given a temperature difference and specific heat capacity. Participants emphasize the importance of reformulating the problem statement clearly and separating the known values from the desired results. There is a suggestion to manipulate relevant equations, particularly the application of the first law of thermodynamics for steady-state flow. The correct equation to use is identified as the mass flow rate multiplied by the change in specific enthalpy equating to the rate of heat transfer. Overall, the discussion highlights the need for a structured approach to solving thermal physics problems.
Kathhhriine
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Homework Statement
"The temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of an air-cooled engine is 30.0 K. The engine generates 7.0 kW of waste power that the air extracts from the engine. Calculate the rate of flow of air (in kg s–1) needed to extract this power. Specifc heat capacity of air (at constant pressure)
= 1.01 × 10^3 J kg–1 K–1 "
Relevant Equations
power/specific heat capacityXtemperautre
Frankly, i don't even know how to start this. I deducted from the solution, that they must have used power/(specific heat capacity x temperautre), however i don't understand how that will give the rate of flow of air. Could anybody help, please?
 
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Kathhhriine said:
Frankly, i don't even know how to start this.
Isn't good enough: we are not allowed to help if you don't post your own attempt

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/homework-help-guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.686781/

Kathhhriine said:
pressure/specific heat capacityXtemperautre
What on Earth is that for an equation ?

Kathhhriine said:
Homework Statement:: "The temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of an air-cooled engine is 30.0 K. The engine generates 7.0 kW of waste power that the air extracts from the engine. Calculate the rate of flow of air (in kg s–1) needed to extract this power. Specifc heat capacity of air (at constant pressure)
= 1.01 × 103 J kg–1 K–1 "
Try to re-formulate this in your own words, clearly separating the givens from the results asked for

Kathhhriine said:
Specifc heat capacity of air (at constant pressure)
= 1.01 × 103 J kg–1 K–1 "
You mean 1.01 kJ/(kg.K) ?

There is a subscript button under
1606825108486.png
in the edit window toolbar
Kathhhriine said:
I deducted from the solution, that they must have used pressure/(specific heat capacity x temperautre)
unlikely: pressure isn't mentioned in the problem statement.

Kathhhriine said:
how that will give the rate of flow of air
Have you done other exercises before ? Call the flow F (kg/s) and manipulate the relevant equation until you have F = ... :smile:
 
This is a problem in the application of the open system (control volume) version of the first law of thermodynamics for steady state flow. Are you familiar with this equation. If so, please write it down and also identify the control volume that should be used in this problem.
 
BvU said:
Isn't good enough: we are not allowed to help if you don't post your own attempt

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/homework-help-guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.686781/

What on Earth is that for an equation ?

Try to re-formulate this in your own words, clearly separating the givens from the results asked for

You mean 1.01 kJ/(kg.K) ?

There is a subscript button under View attachment 273489 in the edit window toolbarunlikely: pressure isn't mentioned in the problem statement.

Have you done other exercises before ? Call the flow F (kg/s) and manipulate the relevant equation until you have F = ... :smile:

I meant power, where i wrote pressure, sorry. :oops:
 
BvU said:
Try to re-formulate this (the problem statement) in your own words, clearly separating the givens from the results asked for
Another tip: look carefully at the units
 
I guess I'll answer my own question. The correct equation to use is $$\dot{m}\Delta h=\dot{Q}$$where ##\dot{m}## is the mass flow rate, h is the specific enthalpy, and ##\dot{Q}## is the rate of heat transfer to the coolant air.
 
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