Effect of regeneration on a steam power cycle
Considering a regenerative Rankine cycle with feedwater heating, identify the correct impact on specific work and thermal efficiency.
Choose the correct statement.
Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Decreased work output per unit mass as well as increased thermal efficiency
Explanation:
Concept/Approach
Regeneration extracts bleed steam for feed heating, reducing flow through later turbine stages and thus specific work decreases.
Raising feedwater temperature increases the mean temperature of heat addition, so thermal efficiency increases.
Final Answer Decreased specific work and increased thermal efficiency
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