The thermodynamic efficiency of a steam turbine can be calculated using the following formula:
Efficiency = (Net Work Output) / (Heat Input)
where:
- Net Work Output: This is the amount of work produced by the steam turbine. It can be calculated as the difference between the power output of the turbine and the power consumed by the feedwater pump. Mathematically, Net Work Output = Turbine Power Output – Pump Power Input.
- Heat Input: This is the amount of heat energy supplied to the steam turbine. It can be calculated as the product of the mass flow rate of the steam and its specific enthalpy at the inlet. Mathematically, Heat Input = Mass Flow Rate of Steam x Specific Enthalpy of Steam at Inlet.
Once these values are obtained, the thermodynamic efficiency of the steam turbine can be calculated as the ratio of the net work output to the heat input. The result will be a decimal value, which can be converted to a percentage by multiplying by 100.
It is important to note that the thermodynamic efficiency of a steam turbine is affected by various factors, including the design of the turbine, the steam quality, and the operating conditions of the turbine. Therefore, the calculated efficiency may differ from the actual efficiency of the steam turbine in practice.
