Which condition of Rankine cycle has highest efficiency when operating...
The efficiency of ideal regenerative cycle is exactly equal to the corresponding Carnot cycle. Hence it is maximum.
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Which condition of Rankine cycle has highest efficiency when operating...
Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used in power plants to generate electricity. The cycle consists of four processes: compression, heating, expansion, and cooling. The efficiency of the Rankine cycle depends on the type of cycle used.
Regenerative Cycle has Highest Efficiency:
The regenerative cycle has the highest efficiency among the different cycles when operating between the same pressure limits. This is because of the following reasons:
1. Heat Exchange:
In the regenerative cycle, the feedwater is heated before entering the boiler by the hot steam leaving the turbine. This means that the feedwater is preheated before entering the boiler, reducing the heat loss during the heating process. This heat exchange increases the efficiency of the cycle.
2. Reduced Cooling Loss:
In the regenerative cycle, the condenser is cooled by the feedwater, which is preheated before entering the boiler. This means that the cooling loss is reduced, increasing the efficiency of the cycle.
3. Recuperator:
In the regenerative cycle, a heat exchanger called a recuperator is used to recover the heat from the exhaust gases leaving the turbine. The heat recovered is used to preheat the feedwater, increasing the efficiency of the cycle.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the regenerative cycle has the highest efficiency when operating between the same pressure limits due to the use of a recuperator, reduced cooling loss, and heat exchange.