Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Kalani Hayden, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Kalani Hayden
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Birce Dikici
Abstract
The Rankine cycle serves as the fundamental thermodynamic cycle for steam power plants, which generate approximately 85% of the world's electricity. This closed-loop process converts thermal energy into mechanical work through four key stages: compression, heat addition, expansion, and heat rejection. Water is pressurized by a pump, heated to create superheated steam in a boiler, expanded through a turbine to generate electricity, and finally condensed back to liquid state to restart the cycle. Modern implementations have evolved to include modifications such as reheat cycles, regenerative cycles, and supercritical operations, all designed to improve thermal efficiency beyond the base cycle's typical 30-40%. The Rankine cycle's enduring relevance stems from its reliability, scalability, and compatibility with various heat sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, concentrated solar power, and certain geothermal applications.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
The Rankine Cycle in Energy Production
The Rankine cycle serves as the fundamental thermodynamic cycle for steam power plants, which generate approximately 85% of the world's electricity. This closed-loop process converts thermal energy into mechanical work through four key stages: compression, heat addition, expansion, and heat rejection. Water is pressurized by a pump, heated to create superheated steam in a boiler, expanded through a turbine to generate electricity, and finally condensed back to liquid state to restart the cycle. Modern implementations have evolved to include modifications such as reheat cycles, regenerative cycles, and supercritical operations, all designed to improve thermal efficiency beyond the base cycle's typical 30-40%. The Rankine cycle's enduring relevance stems from its reliability, scalability, and compatibility with various heat sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, concentrated solar power, and certain geothermal applications.