a) Show that for air undergoing a steady flow compression process, the specific work of compression (J/kg) can be expressed in the form:

= 1((1) 1)

Where T1 is the entry temperature of air, rp the compressor pressure ratio and c its isentropic efficiency. is the ratio of specific heats for air.

[8 marks]

b) Explain the effect on compressor work input of changes in (i) isentropic efficiency c and (ii) inlet temperature T1.

[6 marks]

c) The compressor is now part of a gas turbine power plant.

i) Explain what effect the changes enumerated in question 2b) above would have on the net work output of the plant.

ii) Practically, why does intercooling increase the net work output?

[6 marks] [5 marks]

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a To show the expression for the specific work of compression for air undergoing a steady flow compression process we start with the basic energy bala... View the full answer