What Is the Power of the Compressor and the Entropy Change in This Process?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the power of a compressor processing 1.5 kg/min of air under specific conditions, transitioning from 1 bar and 20ºC to 10 bar and 90ºC. The power can be determined using the formula P = c_p * ṁ * ΔT + Q, where Q represents heat losses of 25 kJ/min. The variation of specific entropy is calculated using the equation Δs = c_p * ln(T2/T1) - R * ln(P2/P1). Additionally, the process must be verified against the Second Law of Thermodynamics using the equations for entropy change.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with specific heat capacity (c_p) and the ideal gas law.
  • Knowledge of entropy calculations and their significance in thermodynamic processes.
  • Ability to apply equations related to heat transfer and work in open systems.
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  • Learn about the significance of entropy in thermodynamic processes and its implications for reversibility.
  • Explore the concept of heat losses in compressors and their impact on efficiency.
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Students and professionals in mechanical engineering, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


A compressor processes 1.5kg/min of air in ambient conditions (1 bar and 20ºC). The compressed air leaves at 10bar and 90ºC. It is estimated that the heat losses trough the walls of the compressor are of 25kJ/min. Calculate:

a) The power of the compressor
b) The variation of specific entropy of the air crossing the compressor
c) Verify if this process is possible, if it obeys to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics


Homework Equations


1)ΔS = Q1/T1 - Q2/T2
2)ΔSuniverse=ΔSair+ΔSneighbours
3)Δs=cp*ln(T2/T1)-R*ln(P2/P1)


The Attempt at a Solution



For a I am a little bit stuck. Can I assume that the power of the compressor is all the work done by it?

In b) I think I just need to use the 3) equation.

For c) I need to use the 2) equation being ΔSneighbours=Q/Tneigh ⇔ ΔSneighbours=25kJ/min/20 and ΔSair the variation of entropy calculated in b)

Is this correct? And if it is can you help me in a)?

Best Regards,

Much appreciated!
 
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The power that goes into heating could be calculated by

P=c_p \dot{m}\Delta T + Q, where Q is the lost heat through the walls
 
You are probably learning about the flow form of the first law applicable to an open system operating at steady state:
Δh=q-w_s
where, per unit mass passing through the system, Δh is the change in enthalpy, q is the heat added, and ws is the shaft work done by the system on the surroundings. This will give you the result that sunfire presented.

To do part (b), you should use your equation 3. (Your process may not be reversible, so you shouldn't be using dQ/T to get the Δs).

I have to think a little more about how to answer part (c).

Chet
 

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