Lugo, Stefano S.

2015103622
ME 130-2 (1Q SY 2021-2022)
Assignment 5 (M1W2 09/26/2021)

1. Define turbine efficiency, generator efficiency, and combined turbine-generator

efficiency.
Turbine efficiency is the ratio of actual work that is an output of the
turbine to the net input energy that is supplied in the form of fuel. For stand-
alone gas turbines, without any heat recovery system, the efficiency is deemed
to be low as thirty-five to forty percent. Which then is attributed to the blade
sufficiency of the rotor, leakage through clearance spaces, friction, irreversible
turbulence, and many more.
For the efficiency of a generator, it is determined by the power of the load
circuit and the total watts or powered that is produced by the generator. It is
expressed as a percentage since you are dividing units of power by the same
units of power. For most commercial electric generators, this ratio can be
upwards of 95 percent. The losses that are incurred typically arise from
components like transformers, the copper windings, magnetizing losses in the
core and the rotational friction of the generator.

The combined-cycle power system, or combined turbine-generator system,

typically uses a gas turbine to drive an electrical generator and recovers waste
heat from the turbine exhaust to generate system. The steam from waste heat is
run through a steam turbine to provide supplemental electricity. The overall
electrical efficiency of a turbine-generator system is typically in the range of
50-60 percent. In conclusion, combined cycle power system has a substantial
improvement over a turbine system alone, which is approximately around 33 to
45 percent.
Reference:

• “Turbine efficiency,” Turbine Efficiency - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.

[Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-
science/turbine-efficiency. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
• D. Leenhouts, “How to calculate the efficiency of an electrical generator,”
Sciencing, 02-Mar-2019. [Online]. Available: https://sciencing.com/calculate-
efficiency-electrical-generator-7770974.html. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
• “Combined cycle gas turbines,” IPIECA. [Online]. Available:
https://www.ipieca.org/resources/energy-efficiency-solutions/power-and-heat-
generation/combined-cycle-gas-turbines/. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
2. Explain how and why a siphon works. Someone proposes siphoning cold water over a 7m
high wall. Is this feasible? Explain.

In a siphon, liquid is moving through a hose from one container to another. By

definition, the process of siphon is that it allows the liquid to travel upward, above the
surface of the origin reservoir, even downwards to a lower level without using a pump,
but with the help of pressure and gravity. To summarize, siphoning works because of the
elevation and pressure difference between inlet and exit of a tube.

For example, when a certain amount of water moves over the bend in the siphon, gravity
pulls it down the longer leg then lowers the atmospheric pressure in the bend of the
siphon. The atmospheric pressure on the other side of the siphon now becomes stronger
and forces the rest of the water up and over the bend in the siphon. Several real life
application of this process drainage of liquid from a reservoir, toilet flush systems, and
several transfer of fluids.

To answer the question, when the tube exit is below the free surface of the liquid, the
elevation head difference drives the flow through the tube. And at sea level, 1 atm can
support at least about 10.3 meters of cold water since cold water has a low vapor
pressure. Concluding that siphoning cold water over a 7-meter wall is theoretically
feasible.

Reference:

• R. Trethewey, “How does a siphon work?,” This Old House, 11-Jan-2021.

[Online]. Available: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/22217954/how-does-
a-siphon-work. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
3. How is the location of the hydraulic grade line determined for open channel flow? How is
it determined at the outlet of pipe discharging to the atmosphere?

The hydraulic grade line for open-channel flow coincides with the free surface elevation
of the flow of the liquid. For the exit of pipe to be atmospheric coincides with the pipe
outlet due to the pressure head, which is denoted by Pressure over density multiplied by
gravity, plus the height. When the pressure is zero, Hydraulic Grade Line will be directly
proportional to the given height.

Meaning, the difference in elevation of the water surfaces in successive tubes separated
by a specific length usually represents the friction loss for that length of pipe, and then,
the slope of the line between water surfaces is the friction slope. The outlet is greater than
the soffit elevation of the outlet pipe.

Reference:

• Hydraulic Design Manual: Hydraulic Grade Line Analysis. [Online]. Available:

http://onlinemanuals.txdot.gov/txdotmanuals/hyd/hydraulic_grade_line_analysis.ht
m. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
4. What is the hydraulic grade line? How does it differ from the energy grade line? Under
what conditions do both lines coincide with the free surface of a liquid?

A hydraulic grade line (HGL) can be drawn to show the variation of the
piezometric head. The distance from the centerline of the pipe to the HGL is the
pressure head. An HGL above a pipe corresponds to positive pressure while an HGL
below the centerline means that the pressure is negative.

On the other hand, an energy grade line (EGL) shows the variation of the total head. It
is also a line that represents the elevation of energy head (in feet or meters) of water
flowing in a pipe, conduit, or channel. The line is drawn above the hydraulic grade line
(gradient) a distance equal to the velocity head of water flowing at each section or
point along the pipe or channel.

The main difference between HGL and EGL is there is the presence of the dynamic
pressure head in the energy grade line (EGL). In conclusion, the condition that
hydraulic grade line or (HGL) and energy grade line or (EGL) is when the velocity is
zero and the static pressure is zero. The elevation of the free surface will represent
both hydraulic grade line and energy grade line. One of the most popular examples in
real life is stationary lakes and water reservoirs.

Reference:

• CE 319F Lab 4. [Online]. Available:

https://www.caee.utexas.edu/prof/kinnas/319LAB/Lab/lab%204-
Bernoulli%27s%20equation/4-Bernoulli.htm. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
• “Water and wastewater terms beginning E,” energy grade line (EGL). [Online].
Available: https://www.owp.csus.edu/glossary/energy-grade-line.php. [Accessed:
02-Oct-2021].
5. What is irreversible head loss? How is it related to the mechanical energy loss?

Irreversible head loss is the extracted head that is removed from the system, because
the irreversible processes represent the frictional losses associated with the fluid flow in
piping. Note that it does not include the losses that occur within the pump or turbine that is
due to the inefficiencies of these devices. It is represented by head loss equals to variable
mechanical loss in piping over gravity.

The relation of irreversible head loss to mechanical energy loss is that, mechanical energy
of a fluid does not change during flow if its pressure, density, velocity, and even elevation
remain constant. In the absence of any losses, the mechanical energy change represents the
mechanical work that is supplied to the fluid. If change in mechanical energy is greater
than zero or extracted from the fluid. We should also note that assuming that in cases such
as ideal flow through the pipe leading from the tank to the turbine, the total mechanical
energy of water at the bottom is equivalent to that at the top.

The transfer of mechanical energy is usually accomplished by a rotating shaft, and thus,
mechanical work is referred to as shaft work. A pump or a fan receives shaft work and
transfers it to the fluid as mechanical energy which is deemed to have a less frictional loss.

Reference:

• “Mass, bernoulli, and energy equations T - Kau.” [Online]. Available:

https://www.kau.edu.sa/Files/0057863/Subjects/Chapter%205.pdf. [Accessed: 02-
Oct-2021].
6. Consider the steady adiabatic flow of an incompressible fluid. If the temperature of the
fluid remains constant during flow, is it accurate to say that the frictional effects are
negligible?

No, since adiabatic conditions refer to conditions under which overall heat transfer
across the boundary between the system and the surroundings is absent. One could say
that the temperature of the fluid during steady adiabatic flow of an incompressible
fluid is said to decline a decrease which is according to the second law of
thermodynamics which states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never
decrease.

This process requires the entropy of the adiabatic system to decrease, which is deemed
to be in contrast with second law of thermodynamics which to be concluded
impossible. For the frictional effects on the other hand, one could say that we can
neglect frictional effects, for the reason that it is only applicable for compressible
flows.

An isentropic process provides the useful standard for comparing various types of
flow with that of an idealized one. Essentially, it is the process where all types of
frictional effects are neglected and no heat addition that will take place. This means
that we can consider the process reversible and adiabatic. Lastly, when the moving
fluid is decelerated isentripically to reach zero speed, then the thermodynamic state is
referred to as stagnation or total condition/state. and

Reference:

• “Adiabatic conditions,” THERMOPEDIA. [Online]. Available:

https://www.thermopedia.com/content/290/. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
• “Second law of thermodynamics,” Encyclopædia Britannica. [Online]. Available:
https://www.britannica.com/science/second-law-of-thermodynamics. [Accessed:
02-Oct-2021].
• “Module 4 - NPTEL.” [Online]. Available:
https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/101103004/pdf/mod4.pdf. [Accessed:
02-Oct-2021].
7. A person is filling a knee-high bucket with water using a garden hose and holding it such
that water discharges from the hose at the level of his waist. Someone suggests that the
bucket will fill faster if the hose is lowered such that water discharges from the hose at
the knee level. Do you agree with this suggestion? Explain. Disregard any frictional
effects.

Say that the frictional effects are neglected. We cam determine the expression for
velocity at the end of the hose using bernoulli’s equation to compare the end of the hose
𝑃 𝑣2 𝑃 𝑣2
to the inlet. Which is denoted by 𝜌𝑔1 + 2𝑔1 + 𝑧1 = 𝜌𝑔2 + 2𝑔2 + 𝑧2 , by manipulation, we can
𝑃1 −𝑃2 𝑣12
determine the velocity at the exit by the formula 𝑣2 = √2( + − 𝑔𝑧2 ). Using
𝜌 2
mass flow rate formula, we can substitute v2 and that will show
𝑃1 −𝑃2 𝑣12
𝑚 = 𝜌𝐴√2( + − 𝑔𝑧2 ). This says that there is a decrease in exit velocity in an
𝜌 2
elevation. Comparing with volume flow rate, we can substitute the v2, which can be
𝑃1 −𝑃2 𝑣12
denoted by 𝑄 = 𝐴√2( + − 𝑔𝑧2 ). This equation also shows that there is also
𝜌 2
decrease in velocity given that there is an increase in elevation.

To conclude. Since there is significant change in the rate of flow proportional to the
elevation. Therefore, one could say that lowering the hose will enable a faster fill for the
bucket given that we theoretically observed on how elevation affect mass and volume
flow rate of a fluid.

Reference:

• “What is Bernoulli's equation? (article),” Khan Academy. [Online]. Available:

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/fluid-dynamics/a/what-is-
bernoullis-equation. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
8. A 3-m-high tank filled with water has a discharge valve near the bottom and another near
the top. (a) If these two valves are opened, will there be any difference between the
discharge velocities of the two water streams? (b) If a hose whose discharge end is left
open on the ground is first connected to the lower valve and then to the higher valve, will
there be any difference between the discharge rates of water for the two cases? Disregard
any frictional effects.

For letter A. We could use Bernoulli equations which states that

𝑃1 𝑣2 𝑃 𝑣2
+ 2𝑔1 + 𝑧1 = 𝜌𝑔2 + 2𝑔2 + 𝑧2 . Since we can consider that pressure one and two are
𝜌𝑔
atmospheric, we can cancel it from the formula. With velocity at the first state is zero,
𝑣2
we can denote that 𝑧1 = 2𝑔2 + 𝑧2. Further manipulation, we can use a change in heigh
𝑣2
equates to velocity at state 2 squared over 2 multiplied by gravity. ∆𝑧 = 2𝑔2 . With 2 and
gravity variable is constant, one could say that velocity at state 2 is directly proportional
with the square root of the change in elevation. Given that height of the state 2 is greater
than the height of state 1. We can relate that the velocity of state 2 should be
theoretically greater than velocity of state 1.

For letter B. Since volume flow rate is directly proportional to velocity, we can substitute
Q to v2, using the same formula, we could observe that volume flow rate is also directly
proportional to the elevation.

Reference:

• “What is Bernoulli's equation? (article),” Khan Academy. [Online]. Available:

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/fluid-dynamics/a/what-is-
bernoullis-equation. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
9. The water level in a tank is 20 m above the ground. A hose is connected to the bottom of
the tank, and the nozzle at the end of the hose is pointed straight up. The water stream
from the nozzle is observed to rise 25 m above the ground. Explain what may cause the
water from the hose to rise above the tank level.

Given that the water surface is at a height to 20 meters from ground level, also the water
stream from the nozzle is observed to rise 25 meters above ground level. We can say
that the maximum height to which the water can rise from the nozzle of the hose must
be equal to the height of the water surface level. So, in the present situation, water rise is
only possible when the water is pressurized above atmospheric pressure in some point
which is achieved in two ways: pressurizing at the water surface inside the tank, and
with the use of pumping machine unit along the flow before exit which is expected to
pressurize the water flow. In conclusion, one could say that pressurization is the main
cause of water jet rise from the hose and the tank level surface mainly on the reason of
difference in height. Since height plays a huge factor on how the water is pressurized
given by the Bernoulli equation.

Reference:
• OpenStax, “University physics volume 1,” 14.6 Bernoulli's Equation |
University Physics Volume 1, 03-Aug-2016. [Online]. Available:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osuniversityphysics/chapter/14-6-
bernoullis-equation/. [Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].
10. What is useful pump head? How is it related to the power input to the pump?

Head is a measurement of the amount of pressure that is required to successfully

deliver the fluid pumped at the desired flow. The greater the pump head, the greater the
pressure that the pump can generate. This statistic is measured in meters and I calculated
by placing a tube on a pump’s discharge and measuring the maximum height to which it
can pump water.

To summarize, a pump head’s is the maximum height that the pump can achieve pumping
against gravity. If a pump can produce more pressure, it can pump water higher and said to
produce a higher head. One of the given example of this is if you have a vertical pipe
extending straight up from the discharge outlet. A pump that has 5 meters of the head will
pump fluid up the pipe from the discharge outlet.

To relate it to the power input of the pump, the maximum pump head, the flow of a water
pump system is zero. This means the pump cannot generate any pressure to move water
since all of the power is being used to lift the water that is already in the system. To
summarize, when the pump head is zero, the water flows at the maximum rate, which
results the pumps energy can be entirely applied to moving water.

Reference:

• “What is head of a pump? pressure vs head explanation,” linquip, 05-Sep-2021.

[Online]. Available: https://www.linquip.com/blog/what-is-head-of-a-pump/.
[Accessed: 02-Oct-2021].