2.5 RANKINE CYCLE 2.5.1 Introduction A simple Rankine cycle is shown in Figure 2.5-1. In this cycle, the working fluid is pumped into the heater. The fluid then undergoes constant-pressure heating in the heater. The turbine extracts the energy from the fluid and the waste heat is rejected by the radiator. The pump is run by a generator which is operated by the turbine. FIGURE 2.5-1, SOLAR RANKINE CYCLE Rankine cycle is the ideal cycle for a simple steam power plant but use of such a cycle requires massive components for higher efficiencies. Potassium was also considered as a working fluid for the Rankine cycle. Potassium Rankine cycle has lower efficiencies but higher power per unit mass than the steam cycle. The efficiency of the Rankine cycle depends on the average temperature at which heat is supplied and the average temperature at which heat is rejected. This efficiency can be improved using options such as lowering
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==