Why is the entropy value of this steady flow open system not equal to zero?

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SUMMARY

The entropy value of a steady flow open system is not equal to zero due to the differences in properties of the air entering and exiting the compressor. The discussion highlights the application of the first law of thermodynamics in an open system, emphasizing that while the system may be at steady state, the entropy generation term, denoted as ˙Sgen, can be non-zero. The correct formulation for the entropy change in a steady flow system is given by Δ˙Ssys = ˙Sin - ˙Sout + ˙Sgen = 0, where the heat transfer terms and mass flow rates must be considered.

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Homework Statement
To determine system entropy in a steady flow
Relevant Equations
entropy balance in a steady flow
1691835998931.png

Q: Why the entropy value of this steady flow open system is not equal to zero?
My idea is as represented by the following equation.
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=0,\,\,\,\,dt\ne 0
$$
$$
\therefore dS_{sys}=0\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\therefore ∆Ssys=∆Sair=0
$$
$$
\therefore ∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=∆\overset{\cdot}{S}air=0
$$
reference. 7-25answer
 
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The system is the air. Just because the system is at steady state, that does not mean that the properties of the air exiting the compressor are the same as the properties of the air entering. Are you familiar with the open system (control volume) version of the 1st law of thermodynamics. If so, please write it down for this system operating at steady state.
 
Last edited:
Chestermiller said:
The system is the air. Just because the system is at steady state, that does not mean that the properties of the air exiting the compressor are the same as the properties of the air exiting. Are you familiar with the open system (control volume) version of the 1st law of thermodynamics. If so, please write it down for this system operating at steady state.
My thoughts are as follows, but I'm not sure if they are correct.
$$
∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=\left( \overset{.}{S}_{in}-\overset{.}{S}_{out} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}=\left( \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_{in\ sys}}{T_{sys}}}+\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}-}\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}
$$
$$
may\ be\ \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_{in\ sys}}{T_{sys}}}\ne 0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}}\ne 0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}}\ne 0,\overset{.}{S}_{gen}\ne 0,
$$
$$
but\ ∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=0\ in\ steady\ flow\ system
$$
 
Last edited:
tracker890 Source h said:
My thoughts are as follows, but I'm not sure if they are correct.
$$
∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=\sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_{in\ sys}}{T_{sys}}}+\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{input}-}\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{output}}+\overset{.}{S}_{gen}
$$
$$
may\ be\ \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_{in\ sys}}{T_{sys}}}\ne 0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{input}}\ne 0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{output}}\ne 0,\overset{.}{S}_{gen}\ne 0,
$$
$$
but\ ∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=0 in steady flow system
$$
They are looking for ##\dot{S}_{out}-\dot{S}_{in}##
 
Chestermiller said:
They are looking for ##\dot{S}_{out}-\dot{S}_{in}##
Apologies, I cannot understand the content of your reply. Could you please provide more details, thank you.

And I think the key is:
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=0,\,\,\,\,dt\ne 0\ \ \therefore dS_{sys}=0\,\,\,\,\,\,
$$
reference
 
tracker890 Source h said:
Apologies, I cannot understand the content of your reply. Could you please provide more details, thank you.

And I think the key is:
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=0,\,\,\,\,dt\ne 0\ \ \therefore dS_{sys}=0\,\,\,\,\,\,
$$
reference
They are looking for $$\dot{S}_{out}-\dot{S}_{in}=\frac{\dot{Q}}{T_I}+\dot{\sigma}$$ where ##T_I## is the temperature at the interface between the system and surroundings. The term ##\frac{\dot{Q}}{T_{system}}## in your reference is incorrect.
 
Last edited:
Chestermiller said:
They are looking for $$\dot{S}_{out}-\dot{S}_{in}=\frac{\dot{Q}}{T_I}-T_I\dot{\sigma}$$ where ##T_I## is the temperature at the interface between the system and surroundings. The term ##\frac{\dot{Q}}{T_{system}}## in your reference is incorrect.
"What you said is correct, but how do we prove that the equation below is incorrect?
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=0,\,\,\,\,dt\ne 0\ \ \therefore dS_{sys}=0\,\,\,\,\,\,
$$
 
tracker890 Source h said:
"What you said is correct, but how do we prove that the equation below is incorrect?
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=0,\,\,\,\,dt\ne 0\ \ \therefore dS_{sys}=0\,\,\,\,\,\,
$$
"the system is at steady state..."
 
Chestermiller said:
"the system is at steady state..."
so the system is unsteady?
 
  • #10
tracker890 Source h said:
so the system is unsteady?
No. The system is steady. At any location in the system, all thermodynamic parameters are constant in time. But the parameters vary with location through the system.
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
No. The system is steady. At any location in the system, all thermodynamic parameters are constant in time. But the parameters vary with location through the system.
So, the conclusion is as follows, correct?
$$
∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=\left( \overset{.}{S}_{in}-\overset{.}{S}_{out} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}=\left( \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_k}{T_k}}+\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}-}\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}
$$
$$
may\ be\ \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_k}{T_k}}\ne or=0\ ,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}}\ne or=0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}}\ne or=0,\overset{.}{S}_{gen}\ne or=0,$$
but in any case, when the system is a steady flow system, ##∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=0##.

ref. Youtube teach
 
Last edited:
  • #12
tracker890 Source h said:
So, the conclusion is as follows, correct?
$$
∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}=\left( \overset{.}{S}_{in}-\overset{.}{S}_{out} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}=\left( \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_k}{T_k}}+\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}-}\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}} \right) +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}
$$
$$
may\ be\ \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_k}{T_k}}\ne or=0\ ,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}}\ne or=0,\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}}\ne or=0,\overset{.}{S}_{gen}\ne or=0,$$
but in any case, when the system is a steady flow system, ##∆\overset{\cdot}{S}sys=0##.

ref. Youtube teach
No. The correct equation is:
$$
\frac{dS_{sys}}{dt}= \sum{\frac{\overset{.}{Q}_k}{T_k}}+\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,input}-}\sum{\overset{.}{S}_{mass,output}} +\overset{.}{S}_{gen}=0
$$
 
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