Thermodynamics

Chapter Seven

Vapour Power Cycles

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Terms Used in Cycles

7.3 Vapour Power Cycle

7.4 Improvement in Cycle Efficiency

7.5 Implementation of Steam Power Cycle

7.6 Binary and Tertiary Cycles

7.7 Cogeneration

Summary

Exercises

7.1 Introduction

We know from the second law of thermodynamics, that an engine operating on a thermodynamic cycle delivers work only when it extracts heat from the source at higher temperature T₁ and rejects a part of it to a sink at low temperature T₂. An engine may use different working substances such as air, wet or superheated steam, mercury, liquid metals, or any other vapour.¹ The cycles are classified as gas or vapour power cycles accordingly. However, steam is the most commonly used vapour, and hence ...