Thermodynamic and Heat Transfer Implications of Working Fluid Mixtures in Rankine Cycles

Published

June 1, 1989

Author(s)

R Radermacher

Abstract

The theme of this article is to demonstrate the mutual influence of working fluid properties on the performance of Rankine cycles, heat transfer, and cycle variations. The limitations imposed on the traditional Rankine cycle inherent to the thermodynamics of pure fluids are described. Then, based on Gibbs' phase rule, the additional degree of freedom that is provided by a two-component working fluid mixture is introduced and its advantages and implications are discussed. The potential for efficiency improvement and capacity adjustment are detailed based on experimental results obtained with heat pumps. Further flexibility can be gained when the cycle is modified to allow for liquid sub-cooling and the introduction of a so-called solution circuit. With this component a large variety of vapor compression, absorption, and combined compression/absorption cycles becomes available, offering new solutions to old and new energy conversion applications such as heat pumping, heat transformation and power generation. New challenges arise from the fact that advanced cycles require very efficient heat and mass transfer surfaces and new heat transfer concepts. The situation is complicated by the nonlinear relationship between the amount of heat released per degree (during the phase change of the working fluid mixture) and the temperature change.

Citation

International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow

Volume

10

Issue

No. 2

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

fluids, heat pumps, mixtures, thermodynamic properties, thermodynamics, heat transfer, efficiency, tempeature, absorption, vapors, mass transfer

Citation

Radermacher, R. (1989), Thermodynamic and Heat Transfer Implications of Working Fluid Mixtures in Rankine Cycles, International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910714 (Accessed May 10, 2026)

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