Thermodynamics: Rankine Cycle

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What is the primary function of a boiler in a Rankine cycle?

To convert thermal energy into mechanical energy

To generate steam from water to drive turbines (correct)

To convert mechanical energy into electrical energy

To transmit electrical energy over long distances

What is the theoretical maximum Carnot efficiency for the steam turbine under ideal conditions?

85%

75%

50%

63% (correct)

What is the primary difference between a water-tube boiler and a fire-tube boiler?

The location of the hot gases (correct)

The pressure of the steam generated

The type of fuel used

The direction of fluid flow

What is a common heat source used in power plants?

Combustion of fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is the actual overall thermal efficiency of a modern coal-fired power station?

42% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a turbine in a Rankine cycle?

To convert thermal energy into mechanical energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the Carnot cycle is not a suitable model for steam power cycles?

All of the above reasons Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of electric power is generated using the Rankine cycle?

90% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in designing a compressor for a Carnot cycle?

Handling two-phase fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of heat for a Rankine cycle?

External heat supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the common working fluid used in a Rankine cycle?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Scottish polymath and Glasgow University professor after whom the Rankine cycle is named?

William John Macquorn Rankine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a condenser in a Rankine cycle?

To condense a substance from its gaseous to its liquid state Signup and view all the answers

What type of pumps are typically used to compress the liquid condensate in a Rankine cycle?

Centrifugal pumps Signup and view all the answers

During the isentropic compression stage of a Rankine cycle, what happens to the enthalpy of the fluid?

It increases due to the work done by the surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the heat exchanger in a Rankine cycle?

To transfer heat to the working fluid, increasing its temperature and pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a centrifugal pump in a Rankine cycle?

It allows for isentropic compression Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of a Rankine cycle power plant?