Reheat Rankine Cycle Efficiency Calculation

Published on July 2, 2026

Other

Calculate the thermal efficiency, work ratio, and specific steam consumption for a reheat Rankine cycle using steam turbine efficiencies and given operating conditions.

Question

Answer

To solve this problem, we will analyze the reheat Rankine cycle step-by-step. Since steam tables are not provided in the prompt, I will use standard thermodynamic properties for water/steam.

1. State Point Analysis

State 1: High-Pressure (HP) Turbine Inlet
  • ,
  • From superheated steam tables: ,
State 2: HP Turbine Outlet
  • The steam leaves as saturated vapour. From saturated steam tables at (where for an ideal process):
  • Since it leaves as saturated vapour, at .
  • To find , we look for the pressure where .
  • At , . Let’s assume .
  • .
  • Isentropic enthalpy : For at , (approx saturated).
  • Actual work .
  • Check efficiency: . This helps refine if needed, but we follow the “saturated vapour” constraint.
State 6: Low-Pressure (LP) Turbine Inlet (after reheat)
  • ,
  • From superheated tables: ,
State 7: LP Turbine Outlet
  • Isentropic state : .
  • At : .
  • Actual enthalpy :
State 3: Condenser Outlet / Pump Inlet
  • Saturated liquid at .
  • ,
State 4: Pump Outlet
  • Isentropic pump work:
  • Actual pump work:

2. Calculations

Total Work Output ( ):
Total Heat Input ( ):
Cycle Efficiency ( ):
Work Ratio:
Specific Steam Consumption (SSC):

Final Answers:

  • Cycle Efficiency:
  • Work Ratio:
  • Specific Steam Consumption: