2021 THERMODYNAMIC

Q1.

a) The first law of engineering thermodynamics is a statement of the conservation of energy. It

states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or converted from
one form to another.

b) [Visual response may vary]

The poster could include the following elements:

• A large title at the top of the poster, such as "The First Law of Engineering
Thermodynamics"
• A simple, clear statement of the first law, such as "Energy cannot be created or
destroyed, only transferred or converted"
• A diagram showing a system and its surroundings, with arrows indicating the flow of
energy into and out of the system
• A few examples of energy transfer or conversion processes, such as heating a pot of
water, generating electricity from a wind turbine, or burning fuel in an engine
• Some key terms related to the first law, such as "work," "heat," "internal energy," and
"enthalpy"
• Some equations or formulas that relate to the first law, such as the energy balance
equation or the specific heat equation

c) The Clausius Statement of the second law of thermodynamics is: "Heat cannot flow from a
colder body to a hotter body without the input of external work." This statement implies that
there is a fundamental difference between heat and work, and that heat can only flow
spontaneously from hotter objects to colder objects. It also implies that there are limits to the
efficiency of heat engines, as some energy must be wasted in the process of transferring heat.

d) The inventor's claim appears to violate the second law of thermodynamics, which states
that it is impossible to convert heat completely into work with 100% efficiency. The claimed
temperature limits of the heat engine suggest a maximum theoretical efficiency of
approximately 55%, assuming a Carnot cycle. The claimed power output and fuel consumption
rate also seem questionable, as they imply an unrealistically high thermal efficiency. Without
more detailed information about the engine and its performance characteristics, it is difficult to
evaluate the claim fully, but it seems unlikely to be accurate.
Q2.
a)

i) The p-V diagram for the given processes is shown below:

ii) To calculate the work done on the gas, we can use the first law of thermodynamics, which
states that the work done on a system is equal to the difference between the internal energy
change and the heat added to the system. Since the process is adiabatic, there is no heat
transfer. Also, since the process is reversible and the gas is ideal, we can use the expression for
adiabatic work:

W = (P1V1 - P2V2) / (y - 1)

where P1 and V1 are the initial pressure and volume, P2 and V2 are the final pressure and
volume, and y is the ratio of specific heats.

Substituting the given values, we get:

W = (110000 Pa x 6.0 x 10^-3 m^3 - P2 x 0.25 x 6.0 x 10^-3 m^3) / (1.4 - 1) W = 16.07 kJ

Therefore, the amount of work done on the gas is 16.07 kJ.

b) Since the process is isentropic, we can assume that the entropy remains constant.
Therefore, the specific entropy at the inlet is the same as the specific entropy at the exit. Using
steam tables, we can find the specific enthalpy at each stage.

The specific enthalpy at the inlet is h1 = 3078.1 kJ/kg.

At the first exit, the pressure is 700 kPa, and using steam tables, we find the specific enthalpy to
be h2 = 2859.1 kJ/kg.

At the second exit, the pressure is 70 kPa and the temperature is 100°C, which is the saturation
temperature at that pressure. Using steam tables, we find the specific enthalpy to be h3 =
2676.1 kJ/kg.
The mass flow rate of the steam is given as 5 kg/s. Since 5% of the inlet steam flow rate exits at
the first stage, the mass flow rate at the first exit is 0.05 x 5 kg/s = 0.25 kg/s, and the mass flow
rate at the second exit is 5 - 0.25 = 4.75 kg/s.

The rate of work produced by the turbine is given by the expression:

W = m(h1 - h2 - x(h2 - h3))

where m is the mass flow rate, h1 is the specific enthalpy at the inlet, h2 is the specific enthalpy
at the first exit, h3 is the specific enthalpy at the second exit, and x is the fraction of steam
exiting at the first stage.

Substituting the given values, we get:

W = 5 (3078.1 - 0.05 x 2859.1 - 0.25 x (2859.1 - 2676.1)) W = 11957.5 W or 11.96 MW (approx)

Therefore, the rate of work produced by the turbine is 11.96 MW (approx).

Q3.
a) Assumptions employed in Air-Standard Cycles:
The working fluid is an ideal gas with constant specific heats.

All the processes within the cycle are reversible.

Combustion process occurs at a constant volume and constant pressure.

Exhaust process occurs at constant volume.

All the heat transfer occurs only with the working fluid and no heat is transferred to or from the
surroundings during the process.

b)
i) The p-V and T-s diagrams for Idealized Air Standard Brayton Cycle are shown below:

ii) The pressure and temperature at each important state point in the cycle are:
1-2: Isentropic compression in the compressor, from 101.325 kPa, 27°C to 607.95 kPa, 286.02°C.
 2-3: Constant pressure heat addition in the combustion chamber, pressure remains at 607.95 kPa,
temperature increases to 1025.83 °C.

3-4: Isentropic expansion in the turbine, pressure decreases to 101.325 kPa, temperature decreases to
539.97°C

. 4-1: Constant pressure heat rejection in the heat exchanger, pressure remains at 101.325 kPa,
temperature decreases to 27°C.

iii) The maximum temperature in the cycle can be found at state 3, which is 1025.83°C.
The cycle thermal efficiency can be calculated as follows:

Pressure ratio = 6

Isentropic efficiency of compressor = Isentropic efficiency of turbine = 1 (as the process is assumed to be
reversible)

Specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) = 1.005 kJ/kgK Ratio of specific heats (k) = 1.4

The cycle thermal efficiency (η) is given by:

η = 1 - (1 / Pressure ratio)^(k-1)

η = 1 - (1/6)^(1.4-1) η = 0.503 or 50.3%

c) The typical gas pressure ratio of a gas turbine engine affects the cycle thermal efficiency. The cycle
thermal efficiency increases with an increase in the pressure ratio. The higher the pressure ratio, the
higher the temperature of the combustion chamber, which results in a greater difference between the
hot and cold reservoirs, and hence a higher thermal efficiency. However, increasing the pressure ratio
beyond a certain point can lead to a decrease in efficiency due to increased losses from mechanical and
aerodynamic sources.

Q4.
i. Boiler: A boiler is a component in a vapor power cycle that is used to convert water into
steam. The function of the boiler is to transfer heat from the fuel combustion to the water,
generating steam at high pressure and temperature.

ii. Condenser: A condenser is a heat exchanger that removes the latent heat of vaporization
from the exhaust steam in a vapor power cycle. The condenser is designed to remove as much
heat as possible from the steam, causing it to condense back into water, which can then be
pumped back into the boiler.
iii. Turbine: A turbine is a device in a vapor power cycle that converts the kinetic energy of
high-pressure steam into mechanical energy. The steam enters the turbine at high pressure and
high temperature, and as it flows through the blades of the turbine, it expands and loses
pressure and temperature, causing the turbine to rotate.

iv. Cooling Tower: A cooling tower is a heat rejection device that is used to transfer heat from
the hot water leaving the condenser to the atmosphere. The cooling tower uses evaporation of
water to remove heat from the hot water, thus cooling it before it is returned to the condenser.

b) Write short notes on the following [Hint: Provide necessary sketches]

i. Vapor Compression Refrigeration System: The vapor compression refrigeration system is a

type of refrigeration system that uses a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator
to transfer heat from a cool environment to a warm environment. The system works by
compressing a refrigerant vapor to a high pressure and temperature, condensing it to a liquid,
then expanding it to a low pressure and temperature, causing it to evaporate and absorb heat
from the cool environment.

ii. Basic Air Conditioning Cycle: The basic air conditioning cycle is a type of refrigeration cycle
that is used to cool and dehumidify indoor air. The cycle includes a compressor, condenser,
expansion valve, and evaporator, and works by removing heat from indoor air and transferring it
outside. The cooled and dehumidified air is then circulated back inside.

iii. Type of Air-Conditioning systems and their applications in commercial and residential
purposes: There are several types of air conditioning systems used in commercial and residential
settings. These include:

• Central air conditioning systems, which use a system of ducts and vents to distribute cool air
throughout a building.
• Window air conditioning units, which are self-contained units that can be installed in a
window or a wall.
• Portable air conditioning units, which are mobile units that can be moved from room to
room.
• Split air conditioning systems, which consist of an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit
that is mounted on a wall or ceiling. These are used in areas where ducts cannot be installed.
• Ductless air conditioning systems, which are similar to split systems but do not require ducts.
These are ideal for smaller spaces.

1. Determine the appropriate cooling capacity: The cooling capacity required for an air
conditioning unit depends on the size of the room or area it will be used in. Factors such
 as the number of windows, insulation quality, and local climate should also be taken into
consideration.
2. Energy efficiency: Choose an air conditioner that is energy-efficient to save on electricity
bills and reduce carbon footprint. Look for models with a high SEER rating (Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio) to ensure maximum efficiency.
3. Type of air conditioner: There are different types of air conditioners available, including
window units, split systems, central air conditioning, and portable units. The type of air
conditioner selected will depend on the size of the room, the cooling capacity required,
and the installation requirements.
4. Installation requirements: The installation of an air conditioning unit requires
professional help. Factors such as the location of the unit, electrical wiring, and proper
ventilation need to be taken into consideration during installation. Ensure that the
installation is done by a licensed and experienced professional.
5. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the air conditioning unit is important for its
efficient operation and longevity. Your neighbor should schedule regular maintenance
checkups with a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance of the unit.
6. Cost: The cost of the air conditioner and its installation should be within your neighbor's
budget. They should consider the initial cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost when
making a decision.

Q5.
a) The thermal efficiency of a Rankine cycle can be increased by the following methods:
• Increasing the boiler pressure and temperature: This increases the average temperature
at which heat is added to the working fluid, and hence the cycle efficiency.
• Decreasing the condenser pressure: This lowers the temperature at which the working
fluid is condensed, and hence increases the cycle efficiency.
• Superheating the steam: This increases the heat input to the working fluid at constant
pressure, and hence increases the cycle efficiency.
• Regeneration: This involves heating the feedwater with the exhaust steam leaving the
turbine, which reduces the amount of heat needed to be added to the working fluid in
the boiler and increases the cycle efficiency.

b) Given data:
Inlet steam pressure, P1 = 6 MPa

Inlet steam temperature, T1 = 400°C

Condenser pressure, P2 = 10 kPa

For ideal Rankine cycle,

 i. The thermal efficiency of this power plant:
ii. Efficiency = 1 - (T2/T1), where T2 is the condenser temperature in Kelvin T2 = 373.15
K (from steam tables) Efficiency = 1 - (373.15/673.15) = 44.48% ii. The thermal
efficiency of this plant if steam is superheated to 600°C instead of 400°C: Inlet steam
temperature, T1 = 600°C Efficiency = 1 - (T2/T1) T2 = 373.15 K (from steam tables)
Efficiency = 1 - (373.15/873.15) = 57.14%
iii. The thermal efficiency of this plant if the boiler pressure is raised to 20 MPa while the turbine
inlet temperature is maintained at 600°C: Inlet steam pressure, P1 = 20 MPa Inlet steam
temperature, T1 = 600°C Efficiency = 1 - (T2/T1) T2 = 363.15 K (from steam tables) Efficiency = 1 -
(363.15/873.15) = 58.43%