Enter the h2 to h3 (J), the h1 to h4 (J), and the h2 to h1 (J) into the calculator to determine the Rankine Cycle Efficiency.
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Rankine Cycle Efficiency Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the Rankine Cycle Efficiency.
Erank = [(h2-h3) - (h1-h4)] / (h2-1) * 100
- Where Erank is the Rankine Cycle Efficiency (%)
- h2 to h3 (J)
- h1 to h4 (J)
- h2 to h1 (J)
How to Calculate Rankine Cycle Efficiency?
The following example problems outline how to calculate the Rankine Cycle Efficiency.
Example Problem #1
- First, determine the h2 to h3 (J). In this example, the h2 to h3 (J) is given as 30 .
- Next, determine the h1 to h4 (J). For this problem, the h1 to h4 (J) is given as 20 .
- Next, determine the h2 to h1 (J). In this case, the h2 to h1 (J) is found to be 15.
- Finally, calculate the Rankine Cycle Efficiency using the formula above:
Erank = [(h2-h3) – (h1-h4)] / (h2-1) * 100
Inserting the values from above and solving yields:
Erank = [30 – 20 ] / (15) * 100 = 66.66 (%)
FAQ
What is the Rankine Cycle?
The Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used to generate electricity in the majority of thermal power plants. It is the fundamental operating cycle of all thermal power plants where an operating fluid is continuously evaporated and condensed. The cycle includes the generation of steam in a boiler, expansion of steam in a turbine, condensation of steam into water in a condenser, and then the pumping of the condensed water back into the boiler.
Why is Rankine Cycle Efficiency important?
Rankine Cycle Efficiency is a critical measure as it determines how effectively a power plant converts the thermal energy from fuel into electrical energy. Higher efficiency means more electricity is generated from a given amount of fuel, which can lead to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact due to lower emissions per unit of electricity produced.
How can Rankine Cycle Efficiency be improved?
Improvements in Rankine Cycle Efficiency can be achieved through various methods, including increasing the boiler pressure, superheating the steam to higher temperatures, and using multiple reheat and regenerative feedwater heating stages. Additionally, employing advanced materials that can withstand higher temperatures and pressures can also lead to efficiency gains. Each of these methods helps in extracting more work from the steam, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the cycle.
