Combustion

Abstract

Our foremost concern in studying Thermodynamics is to find out how we may produce work, and what is the efficiency of the process. In Programme 6 we met the idea of a heat engine, a device within a closed system with heat interactions at high and low temperatures at the boundary, and from which work is obtained. In the previous two programmes we have studied the steam power plant at some length. This is the classical example of the heat engine concept, which is now finding new applications with alternative vapours. A heat source is produced by the combustion of fuel external to the closed system in which the working fluid circulates, and similarly an external heat sink is provided via the condenser. Work is obtained where a rotating shaft passes through the closed system boundary. These are the characteristic features of a heat engine. We now need to think about other prime movers which use fuel and produce work. How many different types can you name?