Vapour Power Cycles

Question 1

What devices are involved in a Rankine Cycle and what do they do?

Answer 1

• Pump: The working fluid in liquid form i at a low pressure, and is then pressurised and fed into the boiler
• Boiler: The pressurised water in liquid form is vaporized. As the vapour leaves the boiler, the vapour is super heated
• Turbine: The fluid at high temperature and pressure flows into the turbine. Energy is then transferred into shaft work
• Condensor: The working fluid flows from the turbine into the condensor in vapour form. The condensor changes state of the fluid by rejecting heat

Question 2

What are the processes involved in an ideal rankine cycle?

Answer 2

• Isentropic Compression
• Constant Pressure Heat Addition
• Isentropic Expansion
• Constant Pressure Heat Rejection

Question 3

How can you increase the efficiency of the Rankine Cycle?

Answer 3

• Lowering the Condensor Pressure
• Superheating Steam to High Temperatures
• Increasing Boiler Pressure