THERMODYNAMICS 2

2.0 Rankine Cycle as a Two–Phase Power System:

2.1 The Ideal Rankine Cycle

Is an ideal two-phase cycle used as a standard of comparison for steam power plants. This
cycle is mainly based on the conversion of input heat energy into output power using a turbine or a
steam engine. A simple Rankine cycle consists of the following processes:
Process 1-2: Isentropic expansion of steam (in turbine or steam engine)
Process 2-3: Isobaric heat rejection (in condenser)
Process 3-4: Isentropic compression (in pump)
Process 4-1: Heat addition at constant pressure (in boiler)

2.2 Basic Components of a Rankine Cycle

2.21 The Boiler and How it Works
The mixture of pulverized coal and air (usually preheated air) is taken into boiler and then
burnt in the furnace or combustion zone. On ignition of fuel a large fireball is formed at the center
of the boiler and large amounts of heat energy is radiated from it. The heat energy is utilized to
convert the water into steam at high temperature and pressure. Steel tubes run along the boiler
walls in which water is converted in steam. The flue gases from the furnace make their way through
the superheater, economizer, air preheater and finally get exhausted to the atmosphere from the
stack.

2.211 Terminologies

Boiler – is a large heat exchanger where heat originating from combustion gases, nuclear reactors,
or other sources is transferred to the water at constant pressure for the purpose of producing
steam.

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Fire-tube Boiler – also known as shell boilers, have the fire or combustion gases directed through
the inside of the tubes with water surrounding the outside of the tubes within the boiler shell.
The tubes are arranged in banks so that the gases can be passed through the boiler several times
before passing out the stack.
Water-tube Boiler – is the exact opposite of a fire-tube boiler. Here, the water flows through the
tubes and the fire or hot gases are directed to and around the outside of the tubes. These tubes
are connected to a steam drum and a mud drum. The water is heated and steam is produced in
the steam drum while the mud drum serves as a collection point for sludge.

Steam Space

Fire Tubes

Water Space

Furnace Water
Tubes

Air pre-heater – is a component of a boiler system that takes in air from the atmosphere and warms
it in the stack. This pre-heated air is then injected with the coal in the boiler. The advantage of
pre-heating the air is that it improves the coal combustion.
Blowing off – the removal of mud and other impurities of water from the lowest part of the boiler.
Accomplished with the help of blow off cock or valve.
Economizer – is a boiler accessory used to capture the waste heat from the stack gases (flue gas)
and transfer it to the boiler feedwater for preheating before supplying it to the steam drum.
Feedwater – water that is supplied to boilers for steam generation. It is usually treated to prevent
scale deposit or corrosion.
Foaming – is the formation of steam bubbles on the surface of the boiler water (due to high surface
tension of water).
Furnace/Firebox – an enclosure formed by the space above the grate and below the boiler shell, in
which fuel combustion takes place.
Flue/Stack – is a type of chimney, a vertical channel or similar structure through which products of
combustion are exhausted to the atmosphere.
Flue Gas – the hot exhaust gasses, emissions and particulates that result from the combustion of
fuel at the boiler furnace. Quite often, this refers to the combustion gases coming out of a flue or
stack.
Grate/Fuel Bed – is a platform in the furnace upon which fuel is burnt.
Lagging – insulation wrapped on the outside of the boiler shell or steam piping.
Refractory – the insulation material used for lining the combustion chamber.
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Scale – a deposit or medium on the water heating surfaces of boilers, due to extreme hardness and
other undesirable conditions in the boiler water.
Superheater – is an integral part of the boiler and is placed in the path of hot flue gases from the
furnace. The heat recovered from the flue gases is used in superheating the saturated steam
before it enters the turbine. Its main purpose is to increase the temperature of saturated steam
without raising its pressure.
Steam Generator – is the combination of a boiler and other heat exchanger sections (reheater and
superheater), where steam is reheated and superheated.
Steam Trap – is a device installed in a steam line to remove spent steam, air, and non-condensable
gases from the steam system.
Water space – the volume of the shell that is occupied by the water.
Steam Space – is the entire shell volume less the water and tube space.
Water level – is the level at which water stands inside the boiler.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – an institution with more than 100 years of experience in product
safety testing and certification.

2.22A The Turbine and How it Works

As high pressure super-heated steam from the boiler is directed into the turbine, the thermal
energy contained in the steam is then converted to the mechanical energy by the expansion of steam
through the turbine. The expansion takes place through a series of fixed blades called nozzles that
orient the steam flow into high speed jets. These jets contain significant kinetic energy, which in
turn is converted into shaft rotation by the bucket-like shaped rotor blades that are connected to the
shaft. An electric generator that is connected to the turbine shaft uses the mechanical rotation of a
shaft to produce electricity.
As the steam flows through the turbine it expands giving even more energy to the turbine blades.
This however, is accompanied by a decrease in pressure and temperature as the steam moves from
one blade stage to the next.

Steam Entry TURBINE-GENERATOR

Magnet

Wt Wt’, Wb W g, W k
Rotor
Wt Blades
Turbine Wt’, Wb

Magnet Magnet

Steam Outlet to Condenser

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2.221 Terminologies

Steam Turbine – a turbine driven by highly pressurized steam directed at high velocity against its
vanes, this causes the vanes to rotate thereby converting the steam’s heat energy to mechanical
work.
Electric Generator – a device that converts rotating mechanical movement into electric power.
Joule-Thomson Effect – the phenomenon where a gas or liquid changes temperature when it
experiences a pressure drop.
Rotor/Turbine Shaft – an axle running through the center of the turbine which transmits power from
the turbine to the electric generator.
Shaft Work – the energy transmitted by a rotating shaft, it is equal to the product of the torque and
the angular velocity.
Stage – each row of fixed nozzles and moving blades that are concentrically arranged within the
circular turbine casing.
Throttling Valves – are any kind of flow-restricting devices that cause a significant pressure drop in
the fluid at constant enthalpy.
Turbine Blade – main moving part attached to the turbine shaft. It extracts the pressure and heat
energy from the steam and converts it to rotating mechanical energy by turning the shaft.

2.22B The Steam Engine and How it Works

The expansion stroke starts when the high pressure steam (from the boiler) first enters the
cylinder thru the intake port. The pressure of the steam pushes the piston, which in turn moves the
crank, crankshaft and the flywheel. As steam continues to enter, it expands further pushing the
piston and turning the flywheel. During expansion the volume of steam increases and the pressure
drops. Before the end of the expansion stroke the intake port closes and exhaust port opens initiating
the release of steam (to the condenser). As the flywheel completes its revolution the piston reverses
its motion performing the return stroke. In this manner the steam performs work and power is
generated in the electric generator.

Steam from Boiler

Steam Engine Crank Crank Shaft
crosshead
piston

Power
Flywheel Output

Exhaust to Condenser
Electric Generator

2.222 Terminologies

Steam Engine – is a reciprocating engine that performs mechanical work using pressurized steam as
its working fluid. A steam engine is an external combustion engine, where the working fluid is
separate from the combustion products.
Connecting Rod – acts as a translator, converting the reciprocating motion of the piston to rotational
motion of the crank.

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Crank – the piece attached to the crankshaft to which the reciprocating motion of the piston is
transferred.
Crosshead – the part that connects the piston rod to the connecting rod. It keeps the piston rod
parallel to the axis of the cylinder.
Cylinder – a hollow chamber in which the piston moves back and forth due to the pressure of steam.
Flywheel – a dense cast iron rim connected by arms to a hub that fits over the shaft. Due to its heavy
mass, it equalizes energy distribution, prevents rapid speed variations, and it carries the engine
over the dead centers.
Governor – maintains the speed of the engine by regulating either the quantity or pressure of the
steam supplied to the engine.
Piston – the part that moves in a reciprocating motion inside the cylinder caused by the suction and
discharge of steam.
Piston Rings – are cast iron rings located in circumferential grooves cut on the piston. Their function
is to prevent the leakage of steam from the piston.
Piston Rod – the part that transmits power from the piston to the crank.
Stuffing Box – located at the end of the cylinder cover where the piston rod passes. It prevents the
leakage of steam from the cylinder to the atmosphere.

Note:
Although steam engines were extremely reliable and long-lasting, they were heavy, required more
space, and were costly. With the advantage of smooth rotation, higher speeds and greater efficiency,
steam turbines eventually replaced steam engines in electricity generating stations early in the 20th
century.

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2.23 The Condenser and How it Works

The condenser essentially consists of a cylindrical shell which encloses the exhaust steam coming
from the turbine. Bundles of tubes (with cooling water inside) pass through the steam space. The
steam passes over the outer surface of the tubes and the heat of steam is absorbed by the water
inside causing the steam to condense. The tubes are supplied with cooling water from the inlet water
box on one side and after taking away heat from the steam, discharges to the outlet water box on
the other side. Instead of one inlet and one outlet water boxes, there may be two or more pairs of
separate inlet-outlet water boxes, each supplying cooling water to a separate bundle of tubes.

Steam from
Turbine

Water box
Water box
Tube Nest

Condensate to
Feed Pump
2.231 Terminologies

Condenser – is a heat exchanger in which the working fluid such as steam, condenses as the result
of heat transfer from a cooling medium such as water from a lake, a river, or a well.
Condensate – refers to the liquid phase produced by the condensation of steam in the condenser.
Hotwell – a reservoir used for the collection and de-aeration of condensate from the condenser. It
provides for the temporary storage of condensate from which feed pumps take their suction.
Hotwell Depression, HWD – is the difference between the saturation temperature at the condenser
pressure and the condensate temperature in the hotwell. (3OC <HWD<5OC)
Terminal Temperature Difference, TTD – is the difference between the saturation temperature of
the steam and the outlet temperature of cooling water in a heater or condenser. (3OC <TTD<8OC)
Temperature Rise, TR – is the increase in the cooling water temperature. (TRmax=11OC)
Initial Temperature Difference, ITD – is the difference between the inlet water temperature and the
condensate temperature.
Water Box – the fabricated cover at the ends of the condenser that is flanged to the condenser shell.
The waterbox is usually provided with man holes on hinged covers to allow inspection and
cleaning.

Note:
Surface Condensers are the type of condensers used in most modern steam turbines. Cooling
water flows through inside of tubes and condensation of exhaust steam takes place on the outer

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surface of the tubes. This enables cleaning and maintenance of part of the tubes while the turbine
can be kept running on a reduced load. Manholes have been provided for routine maintenance and
visual inspection along with venting and draining arrangement for individual water boxes. The tubes
have been so arranged that there is equal distribution of steam on the tube nest with minimum
resistance to steam flow.

To take advantage of the increased efficiencies at low pressures, the condensers of steam power
plants usually operate well below the atmospheric pressure. This does not present a major problem
since the vapor power cycles operate in a closed loop. However, there is a lower limit on the
condenser pressure to be used. It cannot be lower than the saturation pressure corresponding to
the temperature of the cooling medium. In practice, the temperature difference between cooling
water and steam is about 10°C to 15°C. Consider, for example, a condenser that is to be cooled by
a nearby river at 15oC. Allowing a temperature difference of 10oC for effective heat transfer, the
steam temperature in the condenser must be above 25oC; thus the condenser pressure must be
above 3.2kPa, which is the saturation pressure at 25oC.(Cengel and Boles)

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2.24 The Feed Pump and How it Works

Feed pumps are used to transport water from the condenser to the boiler. They are usually of the
centrifugal or reciprocating type of pump. Driven by a motor, engine or turbine the pump draws in
water from the supply line into its suction port. Inside the casing the velocity and pressure of the
water are increased so that it leaves the discharge port at a pressure high enough for it to enter the
boiler.

Pump

Motor

2.241 Terminologies

Feedwater – water that is supplied to boilers for steam generation. It is usually treated to prevent
scale deposit or corrosion.
Feed Pump – is a specific type of pump primarily used to raise the pressure of the feed water to a
level high enough for it to enter the boiler.
Electro feeder-feed pump – a multistage centrifugal pump, driven by a constant speed electric motor.
Reciprocating feed pump – a double acting positive displacement pumps; which means that the liquid
enters and leaves the pump on either sides of the pump piston.
Turbo-feed pump – is a two stage horizontal centrifugal pump, which is driven by an impulse turbine.
The whole arrangement includes a diffuser, a volute casing along with the impulse turbine.

Note: For Additional Discussion visit – How does a Thermal power plant work? - YouTube

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2.3 Schematic Diagram of Steam Power Plant and its Rankine Cycle Components

2.4 t–s Diagram of a Rankine Cycle

t t
1

QA QA
1

WT

4 WT
WP 4

WP
3 QR 2 3 QR 2

s s
Cycle showing saturated vapor Cycle showing super heated vapor
leaving the boiler/steam generator leaving the boiler/steam generator
2
2.16 Energy Equations for the Ideal Rankine Cycle: Neglecting ΔP and ΔK

Cycle

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 Steam Generator Turbine

Condenser Pump

2.17 Approximate Pump Work Equation

The state of the feedwater leaving the pump is that of a compressed liquid, and often
compressed liquid tables are inadequate, this would make the exact pump work difficult to
determine. With the assumptions provided the following approximate equation may be used

 dh = 3 (du + pdv + vdp ) but du + pdv = Q; Q = 0, for adiabatic process

4 4
W P = h4 − h3 =
3

=  vdp = v 
4 4

3 3
dp since wate r in the subcooled state is incompress ible, v = c
= v(p4 − p3 ) = v f2 (p1 − p2 )

2.18 Advantage of Using Superheated Steam in the Turbine

It can be observed that the isentropic expansion of the steam continuosusly decreases its
quality when going from state 1 to state 2, with this, the presence of excessive moisture causes
serious erosion of turbine blades, which is highly undesirable. To overcome this, modern steam
power plants produce superheated steam which is fed to the turbine for subsequent expansion. Also,
turbine work increases with superheating.
The difference between an ideal Rankine Engine and an ideal Rankine Cycle is that an ideal
engine does not include pump work since it is concerned only with all the processes occurring inside
the engine. On the other hand, the ideal cycle must include pump work because the pump is needed
for the completion of the cycle. The ideal Rankine Engine is either a steam turbine or a steam engine.

2.19 Performance Parameters

Cycle Thermal efficiency

Wnet Wt − W p Q A − QR QR
e cyc = = = = 1−
QA QA QA QA

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 Engine/Turbine Thermal efficiency

Energy Chargeable Against the Engine: EC

Wt Wt Wt Wt is a matter of what is customary, where
et = = = = the engine is charged with the enthalpy of
EC h1 − h3 Wt + Q R QA + WP
steam entering but is credited with the
enthalpy of saturated liquid at the
condensing temperature. Faires
Back Work Ratio: BWR

Is the ratio of pump work required and turbine work generated.

Wp
BWR =
Wt
Steam Rate: SR

Is the amount of steam used to produce a unit of power output.

3600 kWkJ- hr
SR =
W, kJ
kg
Heat Rate: HR

Is the rate of energy chargeable per unit of power output. It is the amount of heat supplied,
to generate 1 kW-hr of electricity. The smaller the heat rate, the greater the efficiency.

3600 kWkJ- hr Wt 3600 kWkJ- hr

HR = SR( E C ) = x =
Wt et et
2.2 The Actual Rankine Cycle

The presence of any of the following conditions will transform the ideal cycle into an actual one.
1. Pressure drop in the steam generator.
2. Pressure drop in the steam line.
3. Pressure drop in the condenser.
4. Pressure drop in the feedwater line
5. Heat losses in the steam line.
6. Heat losses in the turbine/engine.
7. Irreversible adiabatic expansion in the turbine.
8. Inefficient pump.
9. Subcooled condensate.

Actual turbine work, Wt’ < Ideal turbine work, Wt

Work input on the actual pump, Wp’ > Work spent by the ideal pump, WP

Remember: the ideal turbine and the pump processes are considered isentropic.

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2.21 Turbine Isentropic Efficiency, ɳs or Turbine Internal Efficiency, ɳt
Is defined as the ratio of the actual work output of the turbine to the work output that
would be achieved if the process between the inlet state and the exit condition were isentropic.

Note:
The terms actual, shaft and brake are commonly used to describe the real work or power
produced by the turbine or engine, these terms are interchangeable, but for clarity the term actual
is used more often in the lectures. Consequently we can write

Wt’=Wshaft=Wbrake= ɳs (Wt)= ɳt (Wt) = ɳm (Wt) = ɳb (Wt)

Where,
ɳs, turbine isentropic efficiency, ɳs=

ɳt, turbine internal efficiency, ɳt =

ɳm, turbine mechanical efficiency, ɳm =

ɳb, turbine brake efficiency, ɳb =

Note:
The term brake comes from an early method of calculating the power output of water
wheels and steam engines using a friction band brake dynamometer called a prony brake.

Also, the terms generator and combined are generally used to describe the output work or
power produced by the electric generator, thus

Wg= ɳg (Wt’) = ɳg (Wb) ; where, electric generator efficiency, ɳg =

Wk= ɳk (Wt) = (ɳt ɳg)(Wt) ; where, combined turbine–generator efficiency, ɳk = ɳt ɳg =

2.22 Pump Isentropic Efficiency, ɳs / Pump Internal Efficiency, ɳp:

Is defined as the ratio of the isentropic work required by the fluid to the actual energy available
for the pump.

WS W h − h3
S = = P = P = 4
WP' WP' h4 ' −h 3

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2.23 Rankine Cycle Sample Problems

PROBLEM NO. 1
The condensate for an ideal Rankine cycle leaves the condenser at 271.93 kJ/kg. Determine the
cycle thermal efficiency and and back work ratio if steam enters the turbine at 35 bar and a) is
saturated; b) is at 350°C; c) is at 580°C. Answers: 30%, 0.00464; 31.07%, 0.00401; 34.65%,
0.00304.

Given: t
h3 = 271.93 kJ/kg
p1 = 35 bar = 3.5 MPaa
Req’d:
ecyc ; BWR if
a) t1 = tsat = 242.6 °C
b) t1 = 350 °C
c) t1 = 580 °C
Sol’n:

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PROBLEM NO. 2
There are received 45 400 kg/hr of steam at 2.95Mpaa, 485°C by a Rankine engine. Exhaust
occurs at 100kPaa.
For the engine find:
a. The work, Ans. 10 189.15kW t
b. The steam rate, Ans. 4.456kg/kW-hr
c. The thermal efficiency, Ans. 26.88%
For the cycle find:
d. The work, Ans. 10 151.7kW
e. The steam rate, Ans. 4.47kg/kW-hr
f. The thermal efficiency, Ans. 26.81%

Given:
m = 45 400 kg/hr
p1 = 2.95 MPaa
t1 = 485 °C
p2 = 100 kPaa = 0.1 MPaa s
Req’d:
a) Wt d) Wnet
b) SRt e) SRcyc
c) et f) eeyc
Sol’n:

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PROBLEM NO. 3
A steam turbine working on the Rankine cycle operates under the following conditions:
Steam Inlet Pressure, 18.5bar
Steam Inlet Temperature, 370°C
Exhaust Pressure, 0.35bar
Exhaust Quality, 98%
Determine the following:
a. The turbine isentropic efficiency, Ans. 77.08%
b. The ideal steam rate, Ans. 4.63kg/kW-hr
c. The ideal heat rate, Ans. 13 334.72kJ/kW-hr
d. The ideal turbine thermal efficiency, Ans. 27%
e. The actual steam rate, Ans. 6kg/kW-hr
f. The actual heat rate, Ans. 17 280.42kJ/kW-hr
g. The actual turbine thermal efficiency, Ans. 20.81%

Given:
t
p1 = 18.5 bar = 1.85 MPaa
t1 = 370 °C
p2 = 0.35 bar = 0.035 MPaa
x2’ = 98%
Req’d:
a) ηs e) SRt’
b) SRt f) HRt’
c) HRt g) et’
d) et
Sol’n:
use Table 3 @ p1 = 1.85 MPaa, t1 = 370 °C
h1 = 3184.3 kJ/kg
s1 = 7.0658 kJ/kg.K s

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PROBLEM NO. 5

A steam turbine carrying a full load of 50MW uses 71.7kg/s of steam, the turbine efficiency is
75% and it exhaust steam at 25.5mmHg abs with an enthalpy of 2210kJ/kg, Determine the pressure
and the temperature of the steam entering the turbine.
Answers: From t-s or h-s Diagram
P1=1.85MPaa
T1=250°C

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 (
d) Q A = m Q A , kg
kJ
)
= 105 kg
s
(2964.77 )( )(
kJ
kg
kW s
kJ
MW
1000kW
)
Q A = 312.52 MW
Q R = (h 2 − h 3 ) = (2000.24 − 173.88) kg
kJ

Q R = 1826.36 kJ
kg

(
Q R = m Q R , kg
kJ
)
= 6325 kg
min
( 60sec
1min
)(1826.36 kJ
kg
) (kWkJs )(1000kW
MW
)
Q R = 192.53 MW
e) temperature of cooling water; t in = 15 OC, t out = 35 OC
Using energy balance in the condenser
Q R - S team = Q A- C oolingWater
m (h 2 − h 3 ) = m cw c p (t out − t in )
kg
m (h 2 − h 3 ) 6325 min (1826.36 kg
kJ
)
m cw = =
c p (t out − t in ) 4.187 kg.K (35 − 15)K
kJ

kg
m cw = 137 947.54 min

PROBLEM NO. 7
Steam at 70 bar, 395°C is used in a Rankine non-extraction type of cycle. A pressure drop of 10
% occurs in the turbine valves. Steam expands to 30mmHg abs. The turbine efficiency is 85% and
the driven generator efficiency is 94%. The pump compression efficiency is 70%
Determine:
a. Ideal cycle thermal efficiency, Ans. 39.41%
b. Actual cycle thermal efficiency, Ans. 33.39%
c. Ideal, Brake and Combined engine thermal efficiency, Ans. 39.55%, 33.61%,31.59%
𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
d. Ideal, Brake and Combined steam rate, Ans. 3.011 , 3.54𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟, 3.77𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟
𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟
𝑘𝐽 𝑘𝐽 𝑘𝐽
e. Ideal, Brake and Combined heat rate, Ans. 9102.67𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟, 10 701.92𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟, 11 397.29𝑘𝑊∗ℎ𝑟

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ASSIGNMENT

PROBLEM NO. 1 (CONCEPT, Cengel and Boles)

Consider a simple ideal Rankine cycle with fixed turbine inlet conditions. What is the effect of
lowering the condenser pressure on
Pump work input: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Turbine work output: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat supplied: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat rejected: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Cycle efficiency: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Moisture content at turbine exit: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same

PROBLEM NO. 2 (CONCEPT, Cengel and Boles)

Consider a simple ideal Rankine cycle with fixed turbine inlet temperature and condenser
pressure. What is the effect of increasing the boiler pressure on
Pump work input: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Turbine work output: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat supplied: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat rejected: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Cycle efficiency: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Moisture content at turbine exit: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same

PROBLEM NO. 3 (CONCEPT, Cengel and Boles)

Consider a simple ideal Rankine cycle with fixed boiler and condenser pressures. What is the
effect of superheating the steam to a higher temperature on
Pump work input: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Turbine work output: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat supplied: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Heat rejected: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Cycle efficiency: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same
Moisture content at turbine exit: (a) increases, (b) decreases, (c) remains the same

PROBLEM NO. 4 (CONCEPT, Cengel and Boles)

Is it possible to maintain a pressure of 10 kPa in a condenser that is being cooled by river water
entering at 20°C?

PROBLEM NO. 5
In an ideal Rankine cycle power plant steam leaves the steam generator 14 bar, 275°C.
Determine the effect on the thermal efficiency if the condenser pressure is lowered from 0.5bar to
0.07bar. Answers: 22.73%; 30.34%

PROBLEM NO. 6
An ideal Rankine turbine operates between the pressure limits of 31bar and 0.31bar. The mass
flow rate of steam through the turbine is 28 kg/s and the turbine inlet temperature is 370°C. Show
the cycle on a t-s diagram, and determine (a) the thermal efficiency of the turbine and (b) the power
generated. Answers: 30.07%; 24 144kW

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PROBLEM NO. 7
An ideal Rankine cycle using water operates between temperature limits of 39°C and 310°C. If
25 kg/s of steam enters the turbine without any superheating, show the cycle on the t-s diagram
and determine (a) the heat supplied in the boiler; (b) the heat rejected in the condenser; (c) the
thermal efficiency of the cycle. Answers: 69 849.75kW; 39 521.25kW; 38.1%

PROBLEM NO. 8
An ideal Rankine cycle using water operates the boiler at 180 bar and the condenser at 0.30
bar. If the moisture of the steam leaving the turbine is maintained at 15 percent, show the cycle on
the t-s diagram and determine a) the temperature required at the turbine inlet; b) the cycle thermal
efficiency; c) the turbine thermal efficiency. Answers: 658.91°C ; 41.7%; 2.502kg/kW-hr

PROBLEM NO. 9
A Rankine cycle operating between 7.5 MPa and 37.5mmHg abs has steam entering the turbine
at 480°C. The isentropic efficiencies of the turbine and pump are 89% and 83%, respectively. For a
turbine output of 125 MW, determine for the actual cycle a) the condition of steam entering the
condenser; b) the heat rejected in the condenser; c) the turbine thermal efficiency; d) the turbine
heat rate.
h1=3355 kJ/kg
h2=2041.15
h3= 137.82
h4= 145.35
h2’=2185.67
h4’= 146.89

PROBLEM NO. 10
An ideal Rankine cycle operates between the pressure limits of 8000 and 25 kPa. The mass flow
rate of steam through the cycle is 35 kg/s. If the moisture content of the steam at the turbine exit
is not to exceed eight percent, determine (a) the minimum turbine inlet temperature, (b) the rate of
heat input in the boiler, and (c) the thermal efficiency of the cycle. Answers: 698.02°C; 125 916kW;
39.99%

PROBLEM NO. 11
Repeat Problem 10 assuming steam at the turbine exit is superheated by 1° and the work input
to the pump is 9.5 kJ/kg, find the a) the turbine efficiency; b) pump efficiency; c) the actual cycle
and turbine thermal efficiency. Answers: 86.9%; 85.62%; 34.7%; 34.71%

PROBLEM NO. 12
A Rankine cycle having a steam flow of 18 kg/s has the boiler operating at 6500 kPa and the
condenser at 65 kPa. The turbine entrance is at 470°C and its isentropic efficiency is 93%. If
feedwater leaves the condenser subcooled by 2°, determine for the actual cycle a) the boiler input;
b) the net power produced by the cycle; c) the cycle thermal efficiency; d) the turbine thermal
efficiency; e) the turbine heat rate.
References:
➢ Cengel, Y. A./ Boles, M. A. Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, 8th Edition, McGraw-
Hill Companies.
➢ Balmer, R. T. Engineering Thermodynamics , Academic Press of Elsevier.
➢ Faires, V. M./ Simmang, C. M. Thermodynamics, 6th Edition, MacMillan Publishing Co.
➢ http://www.thermodyneboilers.com
➢ http://www.brighthubengineering.com

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