Thermodynamics ( steam tables ) isentropic

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem related to thermodynamics, specifically focusing on the isentropic expansion of steam in a turbine. Participants explore the calculations needed to determine the dryness fraction and work output per unit mass of steam, utilizing steam tables and thermodynamic principles.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The initial poster (OP) presents a problem involving an adiabatic steam turbine and provides initial and final state conditions, seeking to determine the dryness fraction and work output.
  • Some participants question the unusually high velocity values provided for the steam entering and leaving the turbine, suggesting they may not be realistic for typical turbine operation.
  • Another participant notes the need for the enthalpy value at the final state to calculate the quality of steam and suggests using steam tables to find the correct properties rather than relying on the ideal gas law.
  • The OP calculates the dryness fraction using entropy values from steam tables, arriving at a value of 0.88, indicating a significant amount of moisture in the steam.
  • There is a question raised about the relationship between dryness fraction and temperature, with one participant stating that in Rankine cycle calculations, the quality is more critical than the temperature at the turbine exit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the initial conditions and the approach to solving the problem. While some agree on the importance of using steam tables, there is no consensus on the realism of the velocity values or the application of the ideal gas law in this context.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the information provided, such as the absence of certain thermodynamic properties and the potential for misinterpretation of the problem's parameters.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those working on problems involving steam turbines and isentropic processes.

steve2510
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Homework Statement


The power output of an adiabatic steam turbine is 5 MW. If the device can be assumed
to operate as a steady flow device with isentropic expansion, determine the
following:
i) The dryness fraction, x, at the exit from the turbine;
ii) The work output per unit mass of steam flowing through the device;

Intital state : 20 BAR, 400°C C=50M/S Z=10M
Final State : 16 KPA, c = 180m/s z = 6m

Homework Equations


Q+W+h1+c12/2 + z1g = H2+c22/2 + z2g

The Attempt at a Solution


I looked up the following in steam tables
@20 Bar
Ts= 212.4
vg=0.1511
hg=3248

@16kpa
Ts = 55.3
Hf = 232
hfg= 2369

So if its dry i know that h=hf + xhfg
Im confused is it hasnt given a value of γ so I'm not sure if i am supposed to use the fact that:
(P2/P1)γ-1/γ = T2/T1
If i do use that and take a value of gamma to be 1.4 i get :
(16x10^3/2x10^6)^2/7 = T2/T1 Thefore T2= 169.4 ° K but that's actually below 0°C, so surely this isn't correct. Could anyone point me int he right direction please
 
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I'm puzzled about the values of c and z given in the OP for the initial and final states. Where did these come from? It is highly unusual for the steam entering or leaving a turbine to have such high velocities due to erosion of the internal surfaces of the piping.
 
Hm didn't notice the large numbers, its just a past exam question so i guess its Made up. I just don't believes there's enough Information to find X, I am puzzled.
 
For the final state, you are going to need hg in order to work out the quality. (I don't know which steam tables you are using; there are several online apps which will give quality along with the other thermo properties.)

I don't know why you are using gamma: you are supposed to use the steam tables to find the point where p = 16 kpa and the entropy is the same as the initial state. Gamma for steam, BTW, is taken to be 1.33, but in your case, the expansion of steam thru the turbine takes you across the saturation line, and you have a significant quantity of moisture mixed in with the vapor, so I don't think the ideal gas law is a valid approach to calculating final temp.
 
Thanks, well I'm using "Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of Fluids"
So i can use the entropy of the system i guess.
Am i right in saying for a isentropic process dS=0
Therefore;
@ 400c, 20 bar S=7.126
@ 16KPA Sf= 0.772 Sfg= 7.213
So 7.126 = 0.772 + x7.213
X= 0.88
I think I'm actually okay on the rest of the question just that bit was really confusing me, thanks very much.

Lastly Does X relate in any way to temperature, say if you no how dry/wet the vapour is can you find temperature?
 
I'm not aware of any relationship. In Rankine cycle calculations, the temperature at the turbine exit is not as important as the quality. Generally, the quality of the steam at the turbine exit should not be lower than about 90%, as the moisture will cause the turbine blades to erode
 

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