Chapter 10.9, Problem 1P

Why is the Carnot cycle not a realistic model for steam power plants?

To determine

Why the Carnot cycle is not a realistic model for a steam power plants?

Explanation of Solution

The Carnot cycle is not a realistic model for a steam power plants.

1. 1. Limiting of maximum temperature in the cycle limits the thermal efficiency. The attempts that are used to raise the maximum temperature of working fluid involves heat transfer at single phase. This attempt is not easy to achieve isothermally.
2. 2. The turbines are not supposed to handle the steam of high moisture content that creates erosion in the turbine blades.
3. 3. The compression process includes the compression of two phases of steam that is liquid and vapor. It is difficult to attain the required quality of steam at the end of the compression process. And it is difficult to construct the compressor that handles the two phases.