Assertion (A): The thermal efficiency of gas turbine plants is higher ...
Thermal Efficiency of Gas Turbine Plants vs Diesel Plants
Assertion (A): The thermal efficiency of gas turbine plants is higher compared to diesel plants.
Reason (R): The mechanical efficiency of gas turbines is higher compared to diesel engines.
The correct answer is option 'D' - A is false but R is true.
Explanation:
Thermal Efficiency:
- The thermal efficiency of a power plant is a measure of how effectively it converts the energy from its fuel into useful work.
- It indicates the percentage of energy in the fuel that is converted into useful output, such as electricity or mechanical work.
- Higher thermal efficiency means that a power plant can produce more work from the same amount of fuel.
Gas Turbine Plants:
- Gas turbine power plants are commonly used for electricity generation, aircraft propulsion, and industrial applications.
- They work on the principle of Brayton cycle, where air is compressed, heated by burning fuel, and expanded to produce work.
- Gas turbines have high thermal efficiency due to several factors:
1. Higher Compression Ratio: Gas turbines can achieve higher compression ratios compared to diesel engines, resulting in better thermal efficiency.
2. Higher Operating Temperatures: Gas turbines operate at higher temperatures, which improves the conversion of heat into work.
3. Lower Heat Losses: Gas turbines have lower heat losses to the surroundings, as they have smaller surface areas and less cooling requirements compared to diesel engines.
4. Ability to Use Different Fuels: Gas turbines can burn a wide range of fuels, including natural gas, diesel, and even biofuels, which allows for better fuel flexibility and efficiency.
Diesel Plants:
- Diesel power plants are commonly used in transportation, backup power generation, and remote locations.
- They work on the principle of Diesel cycle, where fuel is injected into compressed air and ignited to produce work.
- Diesel engines have lower thermal efficiency compared to gas turbines due to several factors:
1. Lower Compression Ratio: Diesel engines typically have lower compression ratios compared to gas turbines, resulting in lower thermal efficiency.
2. Lower Operating Temperatures: Diesel engines operate at lower temperatures compared to gas turbines, which leads to lower conversion of heat into work.
3. Higher Heat Losses: Diesel engines have larger surface areas and higher cooling requirements, leading to higher heat losses to the surroundings.
Conclusion:
- The thermal efficiency of gas turbine plants is higher compared to diesel plants due to factors such as higher compression ratio, higher operating temperatures, lower heat losses, and fuel flexibility.
- The mechanical efficiency of gas turbines is not the correct explanation of the higher thermal efficiency of gas turbine plants compared to diesel plants.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Mechanical Engineering study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Mechanical Engineering.