Thermodynamics and Propulsion

8. Power Cycles with Two-Phase Media (Vapor Power Cycles)

[SB&VW - Chapter 3, Chapter 11, Sections 11.1 to 11.7]

In this chapter, we examine cycles that use two-phase media as the working fluid. These can be combined with gas turbine cycles to provide combined cycles which have higher efficiency than either alone. They can also be used by themselves to provide power sources for both terrestrial and space applications. The topics to be covered are

1. Behavior of two-phase systems (equilibrium, pressure temperature relations),
2. Carnot cycles with two-phase media,
3. Rankine cycles, and
4. Combined cycles.