The steady-state data listed below are claimed for a power cycle operating between hot and cold reservoirs at 1200K and 400K, respectively. For each case, evalutate the net power developed by the cycle, in kW, and the thermal efficiency. Also in each case apply below equation on a time-rate basis to determine whether the cycle operates reversibly, operates irreversibly, or is impossible.

Equation: ∫ (SQ / T) b = - σ cycle

(a) QH = 600 kW, QC = 400 kW

(b) QH = 600 kW, QC = 0 kW

(c) QH = 600 kW, QC = 200kW

a) W_cycle = 200 KW, n_th = 33.33 %, Irreversible

b) W_cycle = 600 KW, n_th = 100 %, Impossible

c) W_cycle = 400 KW, n_th = 66.67 %, Reversible

Explanation:

Given:

- The temperatures for hot and cold reservoirs are as follows:

TL = 400 K

TH = 1200 K

Find:

For each case W_cycle, n_th (Thermal Efficiency):

(a) QH = 600 kW, QC = 400 kW

(b) QH = 600 kW, QC = 0 kW

(c) QH = 600 kW, QC = 200kW

- Determine whether the cycle operates reversibly, operates irreversibly, or is impossible.

Solution:

- The work done by the cycle is given by first law of thermodynamics:

W_cycle = QH - QC

- For categorization of cycle is given by second law of thermodynamics which states that:

n_th < n_max ... irreversible

n_th = n_max ... reversible

n_th > n_max ... impossible

- Where n_max is the maximum efficiency that could be achieved by a cycle with Hot and cold reservoirs as follows:

n_max = 1 - TL / TH = 1 - 400/1200 = 66.67 %

And, n_th = W_cycle / QH

a) QH = 600 kW, QC = 400 kW

- The work done by cycle according to First Law is:

W_cycle = 600 - 400 = 200 KW

- The thermal efficiency of the cycle is given by n_th:

n_th = W_cycle / QH

n_th = 200 / 600 = 33.33 %

- The type of process according to second Law of thermodynamics:

n_th = 33.333 % n_max = 66.67 %

n_th < n_max

Hence, Irreversible Process

b) QH = 600 kW, QC = 0 kW

- The work done by cycle according to First Law is:

W_cycle = 600 - 0 = 600 KW

- The thermal efficiency of the cycle is given by n_th:

n_th = W_cycle / QH

n_th = 600 / 600 = 100 %

- The type of process according to second Law of thermodynamics:

n_th = 100 % n_max = 66.67 %

n_th > n_max

Hence, Impossible Process

c) QH = 600 kW, QC = 200 kW

- The work done by cycle according to First Law is:

W_cycle = 600 - 200 = 400 KW

- The thermal efficiency of the cycle is given by n_th:

n_th = W_cycle / QH

n_th = 400 / 600 = 66.67 %

- The type of process according to second Law of thermodynamics:

n_th = 66.67 % n_max = 66.67 %

n_th = n_max

Hence, Reversible Process