The efficiency of Rankine cycle is lower than that corresponding Carno...
Efficiency of Rankine Cycle compared to Carnot Cycle
The efficiency of a thermodynamic cycle is a measure of how effectively it converts heat energy into work. The Rankine cycle and Carnot cycle are two important thermodynamic cycles used in power plants and heat engines. The efficiency of the Rankine cycle is lower than that of the Carnot cycle due to several reasons. However, the most significant reason is that the average temperature at which heat is supplied in the Rankine cycle is lower than the corresponding Carnot cycle.
Average Temperature at Heat Supply
In a Rankine cycle, heat is supplied to the working fluid (usually steam) at a lower average temperature compared to the Carnot cycle. This lower temperature reduces the maximum possible efficiency of the Rankine cycle. In contrast, the Carnot cycle operates between two temperature extremes, the highest temperature at which heat is added and the lowest temperature at which heat is rejected. The temperature difference in the Carnot cycle is greater, resulting in a higher efficiency.
Explanation
To understand why a lower average temperature at heat supply reduces the efficiency of the Rankine cycle, we need to consider the Carnot efficiency formula:
η_carnot = 1 - (T_cold / T_hot)
where η_carnot is the Carnot efficiency, T_cold is the temperature at which heat is rejected, and T_hot is the temperature at which heat is added.
In the Rankine cycle, the average temperature at which heat is supplied is lower than the corresponding Carnot cycle. Therefore, the value of T_hot is lower in the Rankine cycle. As a result, the denominator in the Carnot efficiency formula is smaller for the Rankine cycle, leading to a lower efficiency.
Other options
Let's also briefly discuss the other options mentioned in the question:
- Option b: The working substance used in the Carnot cycle is a gas, while the Rankine cycle uses steam. This difference in working substances does not directly affect the efficiency comparison between the two cycles.
- Option c: Both the Rankine and Carnot cycle efficiencies depend on the properties of the working substance. The Carnot cycle efficiency is independent of the specific working substance used, while the Rankine cycle efficiency is influenced by the properties of steam.
- Option d: The temperature range of the Carnot cycle is indeed greater than that of the Rankine cycle. However, the main factor affecting the efficiency difference is the average temperature at which heat is supplied, as discussed earlier.
In conclusion, the efficiency of the Rankine cycle is lower than the corresponding Carnot cycle primarily because the average temperature at which heat is supplied in the Rankine cycle is lower.
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