Steam compressor – Work and efficiency calculation
Input data
Inlet temperature
Inlet mass flow
Inlet pressure
Outlet pressure
Isentropic efficiency
Output data
Work
Outlet temperature
Steam quality
Description
Calculate the work input required by a steam compressor considering its isentropic efficiency. The compressor receives low-pressure steam, compresses it to a higher pressure, and thereby increases its temperature and enthalpy.
Compressor
The model is based on the First Law of Thermodynamics for steady-flow systems:
$$ \dot{W} = \dot{m} (h_s - h_e) $$ where:
- $\dot{m}$: steam mass flow rate
- $h_e$: inlet steam enthalpy
- $h_s$: outlet steam enthalpy
The real work is obtained through the isentropic efficiency:
$$ \eta_{iso} = \frac{W_{isent}}{W_{real}} $$
Input data
Parameter | Standard units | Description |
|---|---|---|
Inlet temperature | °C | Steam temperature at compressor inlet |
Inlet mass flow | kg/s | Steam mass flow rate entering the compressor |
Inlet pressure | bar | Steam pressure at compressor inlet |
Outlet pressure | bar | Steam pressure at compressor outlet |
Isentropic efficiency | % | Efficiency of the compression process |
Output data
Parameter | Standard units | Description |
|---|---|---|
Massic outlet flow | kg/s | Steam mass flow rate leaving the compressor |
Work | kW | Power required by the compressor |
Outlet temperature | °C | Steam temperature at compressor outlet |
Steam quality | % | Dryness fraction of the outlet steam |
Technical notes:
- Enthalpy and entropy are evaluated using thermodynamic water/steam properties.
- The process assumes adiabatic compression with negligible heat losses.