Thermodynamics Power Cycle Energy Balance

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum theoretical steam mass flow rate required for a power cycle that outputs 1 MW while receiving heat from steam condensing at 100 kPa. The energy balance equation simplifies to W = Q + m(hi - he), where h1 and h2 are the specific enthalpy values for saturated vapor and saturated liquid, respectively. The user seeks assistance in determining the thermal efficiency and the heat transfer value, as the temperature of the heat source (TH) is not explicitly provided. The lake temperature is noted as 17°C, which is critical for calculating the heat discharge (QC).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic cycles and energy balance equations
  • Familiarity with specific enthalpy values for steam at various pressures
  • Knowledge of thermal efficiency calculations in power cycles
  • Basic principles of heat transfer and temperature effects on phase changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate thermal efficiency using η = Wcycle / QH with known values
  • Explore steam tables to find specific enthalpy values for various pressures
  • Learn about the implications of operating a power cycle reversibly for maximum efficiency
  • Investigate methods to determine heat transfer rates in thermodynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mechanical engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics and power cycle analysis, will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


As shown in Fig. P5.39, a system undergoing a power cycle develops a net power output of 1 MW while receiving energy by heat transfer from steam condensing from saturated vapor to saturated liquid at a pressure of 100 kPa. Energy is discharged from the cycle by heat transfer to a nearby lake at 17°C. These are the only significant heat transfers. Kinetic and potential energy effects can be ignored. For operation at steady state, determine the minimum theoretical steam mass flow rate, in kg/s, required by any such cycle.

Fig. 5.39: https://gyazo.com/49a3ca702a5fa239633f8f054618345e
(Can't get it to embed)

Homework Equations


η = Wcycle / QH = 1 - TC / TH
Wcycle = QH - QC
mass flow: dmcv / dt = ∑ mi - ∑ me
energy balance: dEcv / dt = Q - W + ∑ mi(hi + Vi2 / 2 + gzi)- ∑ me(he + Ve2 / 2 + gze)

The Attempt at a Solution


Knowing that the system operates at steady state, I know that the entry mass flow and exit mass flow are the same. I also know that since kinetic energy and potential energy can be ignored, the energy balance equation simplifies to:
0 = Q - W + ∑ mi(hi)- ∑ me(he) =>
W = Q + m(hi - he)

Knowing that the initial and final states are at saturated vapor and saturated liquid, respectively, using the tables in the back of the book, I found the specific enthalpy values to be:
h1 = 2675.5 kJ/kg
h2 = 417.46 kJ/kg

I know that I can use the thermal efficiency relation to find the QH value, but I don't know how exactly to find the thermal efficiency since there's no listed TH value, unless I'm missing something in the problem statement. I feel that the energy balance equation will be cake once the heat transfer value is found, but I just can't figure out how to get it. If anyone could steer me in the right direction, that would be appreciated.

Edit: The temperature of the lake is 17°C, not 178C. Copy-and-paste didn't recognize the degree symbol.
 
Last edited:
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Not my field but... isn't 100kPa about atmospheric pressure so the temperature of the steam would be...
 
What would be the ratio of Qh to Qc if the system were operating reversibly (at maximum theoretical efficiency)? (Qh is the rate of heat addition from the steam reservoir).
 

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