Increasing Isentropic Efficiency with Hydrostatic Head and Venturi Ejection in a Rankine Power Cycle

<p>This thesis describes the modifications made to the Cal Poly Thermal Science Laboratory’s steam turbine experiment. While the use of superheating or reheating is commonly used to increase efficiency in a Rankine cycle the methods prove unfeasible in a small scale project. For this reason, a mathematical model and proof of concept design using hydrostatic head generated by elevation and venturi ejection for use by the condenser is developed along with the equations needed to predict the changes to the system. These equations were used to create software to predict efficiency as well as lay down the foundation for future improvements of the system.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Ruiz, Nathan Daniel

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jim Locascio

• Thermodynamics
• Rankine Cycle
• Laboratory
• Turbine
• Energy Systems
• Heat Transfer, Combustion

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2015.100

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-2574