Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency

The efficiency definition allows us to compare two machines with each other. In general, the efficiency is defined as the ratio of usable power to the required power. This raises the question: what is the usable power? Most engineers discuss efficiency on the basis of the energy balance, i.e., the f...

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Main Authors: Johannes Brötz, Christian Schänzle, Peter F. Pelz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-02-01
Series:International Journal of Turbomachinery, Propulsion and Power
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-186X/8/1/4
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author Johannes Brötz
Christian Schänzle
Peter F. Pelz
author_facet Johannes Brötz
Christian Schänzle
Peter F. Pelz
author_sort Johannes Brötz
collection DOAJ
description The efficiency definition allows us to compare two machines with each other. In general, the efficiency is defined as the ratio of usable power to the required power. This raises the question: what is the usable power? Most engineers discuss efficiency on the basis of the energy balance, i.e., the first law of thermodynamics. In this paper, we derive the exegetic efficiency taking the second law of thermodynamics into account. Exergy analysis takes into account work and heat and is able to model reality very accurately. On this basis, a comparison between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies is given. A high-pressure radial fan is used as an example, and the differences are discussed. Therefore, measurements of a non-adiabatic fan are evaluated, and the role of the heat flux in the environment is discussed. The investigations show that a relevant difference between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies becomes apparent in the partial-load range with high-pressure build-up. The thermal energy contained in the flow belongs proportionally to the exergy, i.e., the working capacity of the gas relative to its environment. For a standard such as ISO 5801 “Fans—Performance testing using standardized airways”, the efficiency must not only be physically correct, it must also be simple and practical. Against this background, the outlook of this paper discusses when and which efficiency definition is appropriate and best suited for a standard.
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spelling doaj.art-87192648d1474060bf32284d3ffadfdb2023-11-17T11:43:02ZengMDPI AGInternational Journal of Turbomachinery, Propulsion and Power2504-186X2023-02-0181410.3390/ijtpp8010004Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic EfficiencyJohannes Brötz0Christian Schänzle1Peter F. Pelz2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Otto-Berndt-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt, GermanyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Otto-Berndt-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt, GermanyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Otto-Berndt-Straße 2, 64287 Darmstadt, GermanyThe efficiency definition allows us to compare two machines with each other. In general, the efficiency is defined as the ratio of usable power to the required power. This raises the question: what is the usable power? Most engineers discuss efficiency on the basis of the energy balance, i.e., the first law of thermodynamics. In this paper, we derive the exegetic efficiency taking the second law of thermodynamics into account. Exergy analysis takes into account work and heat and is able to model reality very accurately. On this basis, a comparison between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies is given. A high-pressure radial fan is used as an example, and the differences are discussed. Therefore, measurements of a non-adiabatic fan are evaluated, and the role of the heat flux in the environment is discussed. The investigations show that a relevant difference between the isentropic and exergetic efficiencies becomes apparent in the partial-load range with high-pressure build-up. The thermal energy contained in the flow belongs proportionally to the exergy, i.e., the working capacity of the gas relative to its environment. For a standard such as ISO 5801 “Fans—Performance testing using standardized airways”, the efficiency must not only be physically correct, it must also be simple and practical. Against this background, the outlook of this paper discusses when and which efficiency definition is appropriate and best suited for a standard.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-186X/8/1/4exergyefficiencyfansecond law
spellingShingle Johannes Brötz
Christian Schänzle
Peter F. Pelz
Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
International Journal of Turbomachinery, Propulsion and Power
exergy
efficiency
fan
second law
title Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
title_full Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
title_fullStr Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
title_full_unstemmed Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
title_short Exergy-Based Efficiency Assessment of Fans vs. Isentropic Efficiency
title_sort exergy based efficiency assessment of fans vs isentropic efficiency
topic exergy
efficiency
fan
second law
url https://www.mdpi.com/2504-186X/8/1/4
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