Question

Air enters a compressor operating at steady state at 1.05 bar, 300 K, with a volumetric flow rate of 21 m3/min and exits at 12 bar, 400 K. Heat transfer occurs at a rate of 3.5 kW from the compressor to its surroundings.

Assuming the ideal gas model for air and neglecting kinetic and potential energy effects, determine the power input, in kW.

Answer 1

- 46.5171kW

Step-by-step explanation:

FIrst, the value given:

P1 = 1.05 bar (Initial pressure)

P2 = 12 bar (final pressure)

Heat transfer, Q = - 3.5 kW (It is negative because the compressor losses heat to the surroundings)

Mgaseous nitrogen = Mair = 28.0134 Kg/mol (constant)

Universal gas constant, Ru = 8.3143 Kj/Kgmolk

Specific gas constant, R = 0.28699 Kj/KgK

Initial temperature, T1 = 300 K

Final temperature, T2 = 400 K

Finding the volume:

P1V1 = RT1

V1 = RT1 ÷ P1

= (0.28699 Kj/KgK X 300k) ÷ 105

Note convert bar to Kj/Nm by multiply it by 100

V1 = 0.81997 m3/Kg

To get the mass flow rate:

m = volumetric flow rate / V1

= (21 m3/min x 1/60seconds) ÷ 0.81997 m3/Kg

= 0.4268Kg/s

Using tables for the enthalpy,

hT1 = 300.19 KJ/Kg

hT2 = 400.98 KJ/Kg

The enthalpy change = hT2 - hT1

= 100.79 KJ/Kg

Power, P = Q - (m X enthalpy change)

= - 3.5 - (0.4268 X 100.79)

= - 46.5171kW