Thermodynamics:

The Second Law of

Thermodynamics

Professor:
Dr. Francisco Elizalde Blancas
franciscoeb@ugto.mx
EXAMPLES
A power cycle operating between two reservoirs receives energy QH by heat transfer
from a hot reservoir at TH=2000 K and rejects energy QC by heat transfer to a cold
reservoir at TC=400 K. For each of the following cases determine whether the cycle
operates reversibly, irreversibly, or is impossible:
(a) QH=1100 kJ, Wcycle=900 kJ
(b) QH=1000 kJ, QC=200 kJ
(c) Wcycle=1400 kJ, QC=600 kJ
(d) η=50%
EXAMPLES
Figure P5.31 shows a system for collecting solar radiation and utilizing it for the
production of electricity by a power cycle. The solar collector receives solar radiation
at the rate of 0.315 kW per m2 of area and provides energy to a storage unit
whose temperature remains constant at 500 K. The power cycle receives energy by
heat transfer from the storage unit, generates electricity at the rate 570 kW, and
discharges energy by heat transfer to the surroundings at 20°C. For operation at
steady state, determine the minimum theoretical collector area required, in m2.
EXAMPLES
A refrigeration cycle having a coefficient of performance of 3 maintains a computer
laboratory at 18°C on a day when the outside temperature is 30°C. The thermal load
at steady state consists of energy entering through the walls and windows at a rate
of 30,000 kJ/h and from the occupants, computers, and lighting at a rate of 6000
kJ/h. Determine the power required by this air conditioning and compare this with the
minimum theoretical power required for any refrigeration cycle operating under these
conditions, each in kW.
EXAMPLES

One kilogram of air as an ideal gas executes a Carnot power cycle having a thermal
efficiency of 60%. The heat transfer to the air during the isothermal expansion is 40
kJ. At the beginning of the isothermal expansion, the pressure is 7 bars and the
volume is 0.24 m3. Determine
(a) the maximum and minimum temperatures for the cycle, in K.
(b) the volume at the end of the isothermal expansion in m3.
(c) the work and heat transfer for each of the four processes, in kJ.
(d) Sketch the cycle on p–v coordinates.