The simple and basic power cycles (Brayton Cycle,Otto Cycle and Diesel Cycle), power cycle components/processes (compression,combustion and expansion) and compressible flow components (nozzle, diffuserand thrust) are presented in this four hour course. In the presented power cycles, power cyclecomponents/process and compressible flow components analysis, air is used asthe working fluid.
For each power cycle, the thermal efficiencyderivation is presented with a simple mathematical approach. Also, for each power cycle, a T - s diagramand cycle major performance trends (thermal efficiency, specific power outputand power output) are plotted in a few figures as a function of compressionratio, turbine inlet temperature and/or final combustion temperature, working fluidmass flow rate and both isentropic compression and expansion efficiency. It should be noted that this online coursedoes not deal with costs (capital, operational or maintenance).
For compression and expansion, the technicalperformance of mentioned power cycle components/processes for ideal and realoperation is presented with a given relationship between pressure andtemperature and compression and expansion efficiency.
Complete combustion at constant pressure with andwithout heat loss is presented. Sixdifferent fuels (carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, coal, oil and gas) react with air asthe oxidant at different stoichiometry values (stoichiometry => 1) andoxidant inlet temperature values.
Reactants and combustion products enthalpy valueschange with an increase in the temperature and such enthalpy values arepresented in a plot where one can notice fuel higher heating value (HHV) andflame temperature definitions. Physicalproperties of basic combustion reactants and products are presented in an enthalpyvs. temperature plot.
The combustion technical performance atstoichiometry => 1 conditions is presented knowing the enthalpy values forcombustion reactants and products, given as a functionof temperature. Combustionproducts composition on both weight and mole basis is given in tabular form andplotted in a few figures. Also, flame temperature, oxidant to fuel ratio andfuel higher heating value (HHV) are presented in tabular form and plotted in afew figures. The provided output dataand plots allow one to determine the major combustion performa