TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF

TECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Thermodynamics
THF101T

SURNAME

INITIALS

STUDENT
NO.

Breed

K.D.G.

209013819

Benci

M.A.

209185202

Nel

J.

208177850

Swanepoel

J.J.

209145570

Objective
The objective of this practical is:

1. To demonstrate the working principles of a simple power plant.

2. Apply the theory of the steady flow energy equation to open systems.
3. To gain a greater understanding of the Rankin cycle.

Motive
To gain insight into the application of the steady flow equation to open systems, and
acquire knowledge of the workings of a simple power plant.

Diagram of assembly apparatus:

Theory
The steady flow energy equation relates to open systems working under steady
conditions i.e in which conditions do not change with time.
The boundary encloses a system through which fluid flows at a constant rate, whilst
heat transfer occurs and external work is done all under steady conditions, that is ,
the rates of mass flow and energy flow are constant with respect to time.
The equation for steady flow (the steady flow energy equation) is generally written
per unit mass as:

q = heat transfer across boundary per unit mass

w = external work done by system per unit mass
z = fluid height
v = fluid velocity
h = fluid enthalpy ( u (internal energy + pv (pressure.specific volume)))
Formula:
o
o

Rankine efficiency = network output/heat supplied to boiler

Efficiency ratio = cycle efficacy/Rankine efficacy

o
o

Q+W=dh
dh=h1-h4

RANKINE CYCLE
Saturated or superheated steam enters the turbine at state 1, where it expands
isentropically to the exit pressure at state 2. The steam is then condensed at
constant pressure and temperature to a saturated liquid, state 3. The heat removed
from the steam in the condenser is typically transferred to the cooling water. The
saturated liquid then flows through the pump which increases the pressure to the
boiler pressure
(state 4), where the water
is first heated
to the saturation
temperature,
boiled and typically
superheated to
state 1. Then the whole
cycle is
repeated.

Method
We used the Rankine cycler for the experiment, which has the power rating of: P=
15W, V= 15V, I= 1A.
1) Put 6 liters of water in the boiler
2) Close the steam admission valve to run the system
3) Turn on the system and wait a while for the pressure to reach 110PSI
4) After the pressure has reached 110PSI open the steam admission valve to release
the pressure until it drops to 40PSI,
5) Raise the pressure again but keep it below 110PSI, and repeat (5), then the
voltage increase to max
6) Switch on the load, the current will increase and voltage decrease
7) Take the readings on the computer to tabulate the results.
8) After the machine has cooled down, drain the water from the turbine
Time elapsed for the experiment is 45 minutes

Table of Readings
Measurements
Boiling
Pressure
Steam Turbine
Inlet Pressure
Steam Turbine
outlet
Pressure
Boiler
Temperature
Steam Turbine
inlet
temperature
Steam outlet
temperature
Generator
Current
(output)
Generator
Voltage
(output)
Fuel Flow
Turbine/
Generator
RPM

Physical
Channel
PD1_A01

User Label

Value

Units

BP

99.04

PSIG

T in P

5.3404

PSIG

PD1_A02
PD1_A03

T in P

0.9968

PSIG

PD1_A04

BT

151.21

PD1_A05

T in T

100.96

PD1_A06

T out T

93.04

PD1_A07

DC-A

0.06

AMPS

PD1_A08

DC-V

5.74

VOLTS

PD1_A09
PD1_A10

Fuel Flow
RPM

6.59
2007.893

LTRS/MIN
RPM

Condensate 320 ml
Initial water into the boiler 6000 ml
Water from the boiler after experiment 410 ml

Calculations
Water remaining = 6000 - 320 410 = 5270ml
o
o

5.27L were used in 45min

Therefore 0.1171L/min were consumed by the system.

Discussion

An ideal Rankine cycle

Basis for steam power plants
1 2 Reversible adiabatic compression of a liquid (pump)
2 3 Constant pressure heat transfer (liquid vapour in boiler)
3 4 Reversible adiabatic expansion of vapour (turbine)
4 1 Constant pressure heat transfer (vapour liquid in condenser) Real Cycle
Irreversibilities
Factors that could influence readings:
Piping - Fluid friction (Ps)
Turbine - Deviation from isentropic behavior
Pump - Cavitation (saturated liquid)
Boiler - Heat losses/sub cooling
Condenser Heat losses/sub cooling

Conclusion
From the experiment we were able to conclude, by observing a simple power
plant, that in an open system there are significant losses due to reasons
stated above. Although our apparatus was not a closed system such as that
of a true Rankine cycle we were still able to observe and analyze continuous
data.