MECH 237 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Brayton Cycle, Thermal Energy Storage, Carnot Heat Engine

• School: CSU
• Department: Mechanical Engineering
• Course: MECH 237
• Professor: Daniel B.Olsen

Document Summary

Ideal cycle: a cycle that doesn"t contain internal irreversibilities and complexities but is made of internally reversible processes: the carnot cycle is the more efficient cycle possible. Idealizations and simplifications commonly used in analysis of power cycles: no friction, all expansion and compressions are quasi-equilibrium, pipes are well insulated so there is no heat transfer. 9. 2: the carnot cycle and its value: the carnot cycle is made of four reversible processes. It can be used in a closed system or a steady-flow system, and either gas or vapor can be used as the working fluid. Because carnot cycles do not actually exist, the real value of this cycle is that it acts as a standard against which actual or ideal cycles can be compared: the efficiency of a carnot engine is: Internal combustion engines: the composition of working fluid changes from air and fuel to combustion produces during the course of the cycle.