Abstract
The precision with which the thermodynamic properties of compressed water and steam are known has led, not unnaturally, to the development of equations of state suitable only for use on electronic digital computers. The equations are in the main empirical although some are highly sophisticated and lead to lengthy programs and complex sub-routines. Among such equations are those of the 1966 and 1967 Formulations of the Thermo-dynamic Properties of Ordinary Water Substance prepared by the International Formulation Committee of the International Steam Conference. The favoured form of equation has been one in which the dependent variables are enthalpy, volume and entropy and the independent variables pressure and temperature. However, this form of equation may not prove to be always the most suitable and the purpose of this paper is to describe how another type of equation, in which the dependent variable is enthalpy and the independent variables are pressure and entropy, may be established and applied. It is believed that this particular type of equation, relating as it does the three most important parameters in pump and turbine performance, has special qualities for design and efficiency calculations. By way of example the efficiency of a water turbine is evaluated according to the ‘thermodynamic method’ described by Thom (2). A concluding section outlines the further steps being taken by the authors to provide a similar type of equation over ranges of pressure and temperature up to 1000 bar and 1000°C.
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