ME 412 Thermodynamics 2 [Module 4: Vapor Power Cycles:Rankine] Engr. Juanito M. Origines Jr.

Vapor Power Cycles

I. Carnot Vapor Cycle:

The most efficient cycle operating between two specified temperature limits.

II. Rankine Cycle: The ideal cycle for vapor power cycle

Many of the impracticalities associated with the Carnot cycle can be eliminated by superheating the
steam in the boiler and condensing it completely in the condenser. The cycle that results is the Rankine
cycle, which is the ideal cycle for vapour power plants. The ideal Rankine cycle does not involve any
internal irreversibilities and consists of the following four processes:

Isentropic compression in a pump

Constant pressure heat addition in a boiler
Isentropic expansion in a turbine
Constant pressure heat rejection in a condenser

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ME 412 Thermodynamics 2 [Module 4: Vapor Power Cycles:Rankine] Engr. Juanito M. Origines Jr.

Note: Point 4 may be located in the superheated region, saturated vapor line or wet region.

Energy Analysis of Ideal Rankine Cycle:

1) Pump work: Wp

For Isentropic process Q =0.

If
( )

( ) (input)

Approximate pump work:

( )

( )

where

Pump Efficiency:
( )
( )

( )

2) Heat Added in the Boiler: QA

For Isobaric process

If

( )

Boiler Efficiency:
( )
( )

( )

Where: – mass flow rate of the fuel, - heating value of the fuel (kJ/kg, Btu/lb)

3) Turbine Work: WT

For Isentropic process Q =0.

If
( )

Since

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ME 412 Thermodynamics 2 [Module 4: Vapor Power Cycles:Rankine] Engr. Juanito M. Origines Jr.

( ) (Output)

Turbine Efficiency:
( )
( )

( )

4) Heat Rejected at the condenser: QR

For Isobaric process

If

( )

Since
( )
( ) (Rejected)

Heat Rejected by the steam = Heat absorbed by the cooling water

( )

where: - mass flow rate of cooling water, – specific heat of cooling water ( 4.187
kJ/kg.K), – change of temperature of cooling water.

5) Net Work:

6) Cycle Thermal Efficiency:

Sample Problems:
1. Consider a steam power plant operating on the simple ideal Rankine cycle. Steam enters the turbine
at 3 MPa and 350°C and is condensed in the condenser at a pressure of 75 kPa. Determine the
thermal efficiency of this cycle.
2. Consider a steam power plant that operates on a simple ideal Rankine cycle and has a net power
output of 45 MW. Steam enters the turbine at 7 MPa and 500°C and is cooled in the condenser at a
pressure of 10 kPa by running cooling water from a lake through the tubes of the condenser at a
rate of 2000 kg/s. Show the cycle on a T-s diagram with respect to saturation lines, and determine
(a) the thermal efficiency of the cycle, (b) the mass flow rate of the steam, and (c) the temperature
rise of the cooling water.