Thermodynamics question - does power required mean same as power output?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the power required for an adiabatic compressor, where air enters at a specified temperature and pressure, and exits at a higher temperature. The original poster seeks clarification on the distinction between power required, power output, and power input, particularly in the context of isentropic efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand whether "power required" refers to power output or input, and raises questions about the appropriate temperatures for calculating constants like density and specific heat capacity (Cp). Some participants suggest that power required implies an input necessary to achieve the stated efficiency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of power required and its relationship to efficiency. Hints have been provided regarding the need to consider the final compressed volume of air and the relationship between temperature and volume during adiabatic compression.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the use of water density in the context of air, and the problem involves a range of temperatures that may affect the calculations of necessary constants.

visharad
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
How to find power required for adiabatic compressor?
Problem - Air enters an adiabatic compressor at 20 C and 1bar. The volumetric flow rate of air is 1 m3/s and it exits at 200 C. Determine the power required if the isentropic efficiency of the compressor is 80%.

Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3
Mass flow rate m = 1 m^3/s * 1000 kg/m^3 = 1000 kg/s
I know that power output is calculated by
m Cp (T2 - T1)

But what is meant by power required? Is it same as power output or is it power input?
If it is power output, then we can calculate it using m Cp (T2 - T1)
If it is power input, then can we use work required = power output/(isentropic efficiency) ?

The problem involves a range of temperatures. I have to use the values of density, Cp and any other constants needed at what temperature? Initial? Final? Average?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I guess it means the power required to allow that 80% efficiency therefore it would be an input, if something is requiring power, it's awaiting an input.
 
visharad said:
How to find power required for adiabatic compressor?
Problem - Air enters an adiabatic compressor at 20 C and 1bar. The volumetric flow rate of air is 1 m3/s and it exits at 200 C. Determine the power required if the isentropic efficiency of the compressor is 80%.

Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3
Mass flow rate m = 1 m^3/s * 1000 kg/m^3 = 1000 kg/s
I know that power output is calculated by
m Cp (T2 - T1)

But what is meant by power required? Is it same as power output or is it power input?
If it is power output, then we can calculate it using m Cp (T2 - T1)
If it is power input, then can we use work required = power output/(isentropic efficiency) ?

The problem involves a range of temperatures. I have to use the values of density, Cp and any other constants needed at what temperature? Initial? Final? Average?
First find the power required to compress 1 m^3 of air every second. Hint: you have to determine the final compressed volume of that 1 m^3 of air. You are given its final temperature. What is the relationship between temperature and volume during an adiabatic compression? What is the work done?

Second, determine how much input power is required at 80% efficiency (ie only 80% of the input energy does work in compressing the air.

AM
 
Hint: The density of water (1000 kg/m^3) is not the same as the density of the air moving through the compressor.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
16K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K