In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “What is Rankine Cycle?” and about its components and applications as well. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Rankine Cycle?
The Rankine Cycle is a fundamental thermodynamic cycle that governs the functioning of steam power facilities. It defines the process of converting heat into mechanical work, which is typically used to generate electricity.
Rankine Cycle Process
Here are the list of this cycle process –
- Boiler: This is the process of heating and converting water into steam using heat from an external source, such as coal combustion, natural gas, or nuclear processes.
- Turbine: The boiler’s high-pressure steam expands and exerts force on the turbine blades, spinning the turbine and producing mechanical energy.
- Condenser: After cooling, the steam that emerges from the turbine condenses back into liquid water. Through this procedure, the residual heat is released into a cooling medium, usually air or water.
- Pump: The cycle is subsequently finished by pumping the condensed water back to the boiler. To get the water ready for the boiler, the pump raises the water’s pressure.
There are some steps in Rankine Cycle –
- Isobaric Heat Addition (Done in Boiler)
- Isentropic Expansion (Done in Turbine)
- Isobaric Heat Rejection (Done in Condenser)
- Isentropic Compression (Done in Pump)
Diagrams in RC in Thermodynamic
There are two types of diagram of this cycle in thermodynamics –
- T-s Diagram
- P-v Diagram
Applications
Here are the applications of this process –
- The Rankine cycle is frequently utilized in power plants, particularly coal, natural gas, and nuclear facilities.
- It is also utilized in some geothermal and solar-thermal power facilities.