Thermodynamics Lab

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING,

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,
ISLAMABAD.

THERMODYNAMICS LAB REPORT

Name Registration # Section Sub-Group

Experiment # 1: The Fundamental Pressure-Temperature Relationship of

Saturated Steam in Equilibrium.
Objective:
 To demonstrate the relationship between the pressure and temperature of saturated steam in
equilibrium.
 To demonstrate of the vapor pressure curve.
Apparatus:
Marcet Boiler.

Figure 1: Marcet Boiler

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Methodology:
1. Perform the general start-up procedures.
2. If the boiler is initially filled with water, open the valves at the level side tube (V2 & V3) to
check the water level. Pour in additional distilled water if necessary. Then, close the valves.
3. Set the temperature controller to 185.0 °C which is slightly above the expected boiling point
of the water at 10.0 bar (abs).
4. Open the vent valve, V3 and turn on the heater.
5. Important: Always make sure that the valves at the level sight tube are closed before turning
on the heater as the sight tube is not designed to withstand high pressure and temperature.
6. Observe the steam temperature rise as the water boils.
7. Allow steam to come out from the valve, V3 for about 30 seconds, and then close the valve.
This step is important to remove air from the boiler as the accuracy of the experimental
results will be significantly affected when air is present.
8. Record the steam temperature and pressure when the boiler is heated until the steam pressure
reaches 10.0 bar (abs).
9. Warning! Never open the valve when the boiler is heated as pressurized steam can cause
severe injury.
10. Then, turn off the heater and the steam temperature and pressure will begin to drop. Start to
record steam temperature when the boiler is cooled until the steam pressure reaches
atmospheric pressure.
11. Allow the boiler cool down to room temperature.
12. Record the steam temperatures at different pressure readings when the boiler is heated and
cooled.

Observations:
Pressure (bar) Temperature (oC) Measure Calculated
Gauge Absolute Increase Decrease Average Average d Slope Slope
(oC) (oC) (oC) (K) dT/dP Tvg/hfg
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Graph:
Graph of Temperature, against absolute pressure.
Discussion:
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Experiment # 2: Boyle’s Law Experiment.

Objective:
Objective of this experiment is to study and observe relation between volume and pressure of air
assuming the process to be isothermal.
Apparatus:
Boyle’s Law Apparatus.
Methodology:
Operation below atmospheric pressure:
1. Make sure that both fluid and measuring chambers are at atmospheric pressure. For Fluid
chamber, it can be achieved by removing rear cap of the coupling present on its top. For
Measuring flask, connect cranked end of blue hose to its coupling and leave the other end
free for a while, till pressure gauge shows zero reading.
2. Now connect the cranked end of blue hose with coupling of fluid chamber and open end with
suction coupling of compressor.
3. Turn on the main switch, compressor will start evacuating the air in the fluid chamber, turn
the switch off when required pressure is achieved.
4. Open the fluid control valve present below the fluid chamber, this will let the fluid flow from
measuring chamber to fluid chamber.
5. Now keep on measuring the level of fluid in the measuring chamber and respective pressure
on the pressure gauge for different intervals. (Compressor can be turned on meanwhile to get
required suction).
6. Volume of air can be found by subtracting volume of liquid from total volume of the
measuring chamber.
Operation above atmospheric pressure:
1. Make sure that both fluid and measuring chambers are at atmospheric pressure. For Fluid
chamber, it can be achieved by removing rear cap of the coupling present on its top. For
Measuring flask, connect cranked end of blue hose to its coupling and leave the other end
free for a while, till pressure gauge shows zero reading.
2. Now connect the cranked end of blue hose with coupling of fluid chamber and open end with
discharge coupling of compressor.
3. Turn on the main switch, compressor will start providing air in the fluid chamber, turn the
switch off when required pressure is achieved.
4. Open the fluid control valve present below the fluid chamber, this will let the fluid flow from
fluid chamber to measuring chamber.
5. Now keep on measuring the level of fluid in the measuring chamber and respective pressure
on the pressure gauge for different intervals. (Compressor can be turned on meanwhile to get
required compression).
6. Volume of air can be found by subtracting volume of liquid from total volume of the
measuring chamber.
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Observations:
Below Atmospheric Pressure
Gauge Absolute Oil Height Oil Volume Air Volume Temperature
Pressure Pressure
o
kPa kPa mm liter liter C

Above Atmospheric Pressure

Gauge Absolute Oil Height Oil Volume Air Volume Temperature
Pressure Pressure
o
kPa kPa mm liter liter C

Graph:
Graph showing variation of pressure with volume.
Discussion:
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Experiment # 3: Expansion Process of a Perfect Gas.

Objective:
To observe and apply Clement and Desorme’s Experiment in order to find adiabatic index
assuming the process to be both reversible and irreversible.
Apparatus:
Expansion Process of a Perfect Gas unit.
Methodology:

1. Close valve V1, V4, V5, V6.

2. Open valve V2, V3, V7, V8.
3. Switch on the pump P1.
4. When the pressure in D1 is at the desired value, switch off pump P1 and close valve V2.
5. For some minutes after the pumping had stopped, the pressure as indicated by the manometer
would gradually fall. This is attributed to the air, which was heated during the compression,
slowly attaining vessel temperature.
6. When the pressure indicator indicates a stationary pressure, record the value of pressure, P1,
and of temperature, T1, in the Vessel D1.
7. Open quickly valve V1 and immediately re-close: this would allow the pressure to fall to
atmospheric pressure, Po, sufficiently rapidly for no passage of heat to occur during the
expansion.
8. Follow the pressure and temperature.
9. The temperature is allowed to return to that at the beginning of the experiment, during which
time the pressure in the vessel will increase to new valve P2.
10. Calculate the valve of γ.
Observations:
Pressure (bar) Temperature (oC) Adiabatic Index
Po P1 P2 T1 T2 γrev γirrev

Specimen Calculations:
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Discussion:
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Experiment # 4: Comparison of different Temperature sensing devices.

Objective:
To demonstrate the application of temperature scales and fixed points using mercury-glass
thermometer, bimetallic thermometer, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, thermistor,
and vapor pressure thermometer.
Apparatus:
 Temperature Measurement Bench.
 Mercury-glass Thermometer.
 Alcoholic Thermometer.
 Bimetallic Thermometer.
 Vapor Pressure Thermometer.
Methodology:
1. Turn the main switch of temperature measurement bench on.
2. Let all the sensors stay at ambient conditions for a while and note down the readings.
3. Now boil some water in a kettle and dip the sensing element of each device in the boiling
water and note down its temperature as well.
4. Compare readings taken by different sensors.
Observations:
Sensing Device Temperature
o
Room ( C) Boiling Water (oC)
Resistance Temperature
Detector (RTD)
Thermistor
Thermocouple
Mercury Thermometer
Alcoholic Thermometer
Bimetallic Thermometer
Vapor Press. Thermometer
Discussion:
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Experiment # 5: Production of heat pump performance curves over a range of

source and delivery temperatures.
Objective:
To determine the power input, heat output and coefficient of performance of a vapor
compression heat pump system.
To produce the performance of heat pump over a range of source and delivery temperatures.
Methodology:
1. Perform the general startup procedures.
2. Adjust the cooling water flowrate to 4.0 LPM.
3. Allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
4. Record all necessary readings into the experimental data sheet.
5. Repeat the experiment with reducing water flowrate so that the cooling water outlet
temperature increases by about 3°C.
6. Repeat similar steps until the compressor delivery pressure reaches around 14.0 bar.
7. The experiment may be repeated at different ambient temperature.
Schematic:

Data Sheet:
Cooling Water LPM
Flowrate F12
o
Cooling Water Inlet C
Temperature, TT5
o
Cooling Water C
Outlet
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Temperature, TT6
Time/ rev of energy sec
meter, t
Specimen Calculations:

Graph:
1. COP Vs Condenser water outlet Temperature.
2. Heat output rate Vs Condenser water outlet Temperature.
3. Compressor Input Vs Condenser water outlet Temperature.
Discussion:
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Experiment # 6: Production of vapor compression cycle on p-h diagram and

energy balance study.
Objective:
 To plot the vapor compression cycle on the p-h diagram and compare with the ideal cycle.
 To perform energy balances for the condenser and compressor.
Methodology:
1. Perform the general start-up procedures.
2. Adjust the cooling water flowrate to 2.0 LPM and allow the system to run for 15 minutes.
3. Record all necessary readings into the experimental data sheet.
Data Sheet:
Refrigerant cm3/min
Flowrate FI1
Refrigerant bar
Pressure (low)
P1
Refrigerant bar
Pressure (high)
P2
o
Refrigerant C
Temperature
TT1
o
Refrigerant C
Temperature
TT2
o
Refrigerant C
Temperature
TT3
o
Refrigerant C
Temperature
TT4
Cooling Water LPM
Flowrate F12
o
Cooling Water Inlet C
Temperature, TT5
o
Cooling Water C
Outlet
Temperature, TT6
Time/ rev of energy sec
meter, t
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Specimen Calculations:

Graph:
Plot ph diagram for the process.
Discussion:
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Experiment # 9: Pressure Measurement using different pressure

measurement devices.
Objective:
To demonstrate the applications and use of different pressure sensing devices based on
hydrostatics like U tube and inclined manometers, piezometers.
To study working mechanism of Bourdon Pressure Tube.
Apparatus:
Pressure Measurement Investigation Unit.
Methodology:
1. Install and commission the equipment as described in user manual.
2. Turn on the main power supply and apply the pressure with the help of pneumatic pump.
3. All the hydrostatic pressure sensing devices would develop a height difference and Bourdon
Pressure gauge would show some deflection.
4. Find the pressure exerted by pump and compare the results of all the used devices.
Observations:
Device Height h (mm) Pressure
U-tube manometer
Inclined manometer
Piezometer
Bourdon Pressure Gauge
Specimen Calculations:

Discussion:
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Experiment # 10: Mini Steam Turbine Test Run.

Objective:
To demonstrate working and industrial applications of a steam power plant as well as to prepare
data sheet of the test run.
Methodology:
1. Test Preparation
a. LPG tank:
1. Make sure the tank has sufficient gas.
2. Connect the tank gas outlet to the power plant gas inlet.
3. Close both LPG gas regulator and flow control valves to the boiler and superheater
(optional).
b. Feed water tank:
1. Fill the tank with distilled water.
2. Pump water to the boiler to the maximum level.
3. Refill the feed water tank to a full level and always keep it to nearly full level at all times.
c. Boiler:
1. The boiler safety valve is set at the factory to operate at 5.5 kg/cm2 gauge. It is
recommended that the test be carried out at a pressure of not more than 5.0 kg/cm2
gauge.
2. Close the steam outlet valves V2 and V3. 4.1.3.3 See Addendum A-1 and A-2 for boiler
operation and steam rate control.

d. Power output measurement:

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1. Electrical power output: Connect a rubber belt to the turbine and generator pulleys as per
figure below.

2. Mechanical power output:

Connect the rope with load cell, turbine pulley and load hanger as per figure below.
e. Condenser:
1. Connect the cooling water inlet to the water supply.
2. Connect the cooling water outlet to the laboratory water discharge.
3. Turn the cooling water flow control valve to a flow rate of about 2.5 lpm.
f. Condensate:
1. Condensate beaker must be weighed before the test and reweighed after the test with the
time duration recorded by a stopwatch.
2. Condensate before or after the test is collected in an alternate beaker provided.
2. Plant Start Up:
1. Start up the boiler.
2. Start up the superheater.
3. Adjust and control superheated steam to a stable condition.
4. Adjust cooling water flow rate.
3. Turbine Generator Test:
1. Connect the turbine to the generator by a belt.
2. Observe that both voltmeter and ammeter readings are “0”.
3. Turn on one light load lamp.
4. Direct the superheated steam to the turbine by open valve V3 and close valve V2.
5. Turn on the condenser cooling water and adjust the flow rate to about 4 lpm.
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6. After the turbine is running at a steady load with measurable condensate , record the
condensate volume and start the stopwatch.
Note: The starting volume should be at a mark volume scale.
7. Place the beaker at condenser discharge under the table at the same time start a
stopwatch. 4.3.8 Record the turbine speed, voltage, and current.
8. Record temperatures, pressures, fuel flow rates, and cooling water flow rate.
9. After a period of test, record the condensate volume and stop the watch .
Note: The final volume should be at a marked volume level.
10. Repeat 3 and 7 to 10 by turning on one more light load at a time until the turbine speed is
below 5,000 rpm.
11. Take all recorded data for calculations.
4. Turbine Mechanical Power Test:
1. In this case a mechanical dynamometer is used.
2. Turn on the turbine as per 3.4 to 3.7.
3. Record turbine speed and all data as per 3.9 and 3.10.
4. Install the mechanical dynamometer.
5. Apply the load on the dynamometer and record the spring balance reading, applied
weights and turbine speed. When more weight is applied to the turbine its speed will be
reduced. Wait until the speed is approximately stable before the readings are taken as per
4.2.
6. Repeat 4.4 at a load increment of 5 grams until turbine speed is lower than 3,000 rpm.
7. Take all recorded data for calculations.
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Data Sheet
Vertical Boiler Diameter = Steam Turbine Pulley Diameter De =
Ambient Air Temperature (T10) = Generator Pulley Diameter =
Atmospheric Pressure = Turbine, Nozzle θ =
PGas qfob qfos qw P1 P2 T1 T2 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 N Steam Rate Lamp Load
kg/cm2 lpm lpm lpm kg/cm2 kg/cm2 (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) rpm Time Condensate mc No V A Poe
s Start Stop kg/s . W
ml ml

Sample Calculations:
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Discussion:
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Experiment # 11: Air Operated Impulse Turbine.

Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of impulse turbine and the mechanical power produced by the
turbine.
Apparatus:
 Air operated impulse turbine.
 Compressible flowrate unit.
Methodology:
1. At the very first step, attach the air supply from the compressor and open the valve from the
compressor; keep in mind the flow regulator should be closed.
2. Open valves of required nozzle either 20o alone or both or 30o alone of both.
3. Keep braking at minimum position i.e., away from shaft.
4. After that, open the flow regulator valve slowly, the turbine will start rotating.
5. Maintain the rpm of the turbine at different speeds when there is no load to turbine, keeping
the inlet air pressure at same pressure.
6. Start applying the load with the increments of 5Nmm on the shaft and note down the
readings.
7. Calculate mechanical and hydraulic power and efficiency of the turbine.
Observations:
Speed Pressure Torque Flow Rate Power Power Phyd
rpm kN/m2 Nmm g/sec Pmech (W) (W)

Sample Calculations:
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Graphs:
Graph showing trend of power and torque with speed.
Discussion:
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Experiment # 12: Boiling Heat Transfer Demonstration.

Objective:
To determine the heat flux and surface heat transfer coefficient up to and beyond the critical
condition at constant pressure.
Methodology:
1. Make sure all necessary arrangements have been made before switching on the apparatus.
2. Turn the power supply on.
3. Set an input heat through knob, let the apparatus stand for some time.
4. Note reading for pressure through the gauge.
5. Note reading for liquid temperature through thermometer immersed in it.
6. Note reading of cut out temperature from the digital display.
7. Increase input heat, adjust flowrate so that previous pressure is attained and note all the
readings again.
8. Repeat procedure for several time and plot heat flux against liquid temperature difference.
Observations:
Heat Input (Q,
W)
Liquid
Temperature (
t 1 , ℃)
Metal
Temperature (
t 2 , ℃)
Heat flux (
kW
∅, 2 ¿
m
Temperature
difference (
∆t ,K ¿
Surface heat
transfer
coefficient (
h= ( )
∅ kW
,
∆ t m2 k
)

Graphs:
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Heat Flux with Temperature Difference.

Surface Heat Transfer Co-efficient Flux with Temperature Difference.
Discussion: