Power and Refrigeration Cycles
The chapter covers various power and refrigeration cycles, detailing the fundamental processes involved in vapor and gas power cycles. Key topics include the Rankine cycle and its modifications, the exergy analysis for efficiency improvement, and the functioning of gas turbine cycles. The chapter also discusses the vapor compression refrigeration cycle and the desirable properties of refrigerants used in these systems.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- The Rankine cycle is essential for understanding steam power generation, with various techniques enhancing its efficiency.
- Exergy analysis helps in pinpointing inefficiencies and improving system performance.
- Refrigeration systems rely on specific refrigerants that meet environmental and operational standards.
Key Concepts
- -- Rankine Cycle
- An ideal thermodynamic cycle used for steam power plants, involving isentropic processes and constant pressure heat transfer.
- -- Exergy
- The maximum useful work potential of an energy source, used to assess the efficiency of thermodynamic processes.
- -- Coefficient of Performance (COP)
- A measure of the efficiency of a refrigeration cycle, calculated as the ratio of heat absorbed to work input.
- -- Supercritical Cycle
- A cycle operating above critical pressure that improves thermal efficiency due to absence of phase change.
- -- Vapor Compression Refrigeration
- A refrigeration process that involves compressing refrigerant vapor, allowing heat absorption and rejection through condensation and evaporation.
Additional Learning Materials
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