THERMODYNAMICS PROJECT REPORT
(GROUP 3)
SETP2113 THERMODYNAMICS
(SECTION 01)
PROJECT TITLE
(SINGLE UNIT AND LENOIR CYCLE)
GROUPMATES:
NAME MATRIC NUMBER
ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI A21ET4010
MUHAMMAD NUR IMAN BIN RASIDI A21ET0102
NAJMI NORIKHWAN BIN JUNAISHAM A21ET0281
NURUL SHAZWANI IZZATI BINTI HALIM A21ET0199
SHARAN A/L TAMILCHILVAN A21ET0289
DATE:
(30/06/2022)
INSTRUCTOR
(DR. MUHAMMAD ARIF BIN SAZALI)
OBJECTIVE
● To analyse and enhance the knowledge about the application of thermodynamics in
everyday life.
● To help in understanding thermodynamics better.
● To know how to calculate and find the efficiency for a single unit and cyle process.
● To strengthen the bond between team members when solving the related problems.
INTRODUCTION
The First Law of Thermodynamics: Closed Systems
The first law of thermodynamics can be simply stated as follows: during an interaction
between a system and its surroundings, the amount of energy gained by the system must be
exactly equal to the amount of energy lost by the surroundings.
A closed system can exchange energy with its surroundings through heat and work transfer.
In other words, work and heat are the forms that energy can be transferred across the system
boundary.
Based on kinetic theory, heat is defined as the energy associated with the random motions of
atoms and molecules.
The first law cannot be proved mathematically, it is based on experimental observations, i.e.,
there is no process in nature that violates the first law.
The first law for a closed system or a fixed mass may be expressed as
𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜 (𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚) = 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 (𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒) 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚
𝑄 − 𝑊 = △𝐸 (kJ)
Where,
𝑄 = 𝑛𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑒𝑟 (= ∑ 𝑄𝑖𝑛 − ∑ 𝑄𝑜𝑢𝑡 )
𝑊 = 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑠 (= ∑ 𝑊𝑖𝑛 − ∑ 𝑊𝑜𝑢𝑡)
△𝐸 = 𝑛𝑒𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 (= 𝐸2 − 𝐸1)
The change in total energy of a system during a process can be expressed as the sum of the
changes in its internal, kinetic, and potential energies:
△𝐸 = △𝑈 + △𝐾𝐸 + △𝑃𝐸 (kJ)
△𝑈 = 𝑚 (𝑢2 − 𝑢1)
1 2 2
△𝐾𝐸 = 2
𝑚 (𝑉2 − 𝑉1)
△𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔 (𝑧2 − 𝑧1)
Note: For stationary systems △𝑃𝐸 = △𝐾𝐸 = 0, the first law reduces to
𝑄 − 𝑊 = △𝑈
The first law can be written on a unit-mass basis:
𝑞 − 𝑤 = △𝑒 (kJ/kg)
Or in differential form:
δQ – δW = dU (kJ)
δq – δW = du (kJ/kg)
Or in rate form:
Q° – W° = dE / dt (kW)
For a cyclic process, the initial and final states are identical, thus △𝐸 = 0. The first law
becomes
𝑄 − 𝑊 = 0 (kJ)
Note: From the first law point of view, there is no difference between heat transfer and work,
there are both energy interactions. But from the second law point of view, heat and work are
very different.
Thermodynamics Cycle: Lenoir Cycle
Lenoir cycle is an idealised thermodynamic cycle often used to model a pulse jet engine. It is
based on the operation of an engine patented by Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir in 1860. The
engine is often thought of as the first commercially produced internal combustion engine.
Lenoir cycle consists of a constant volume heat addition, Isentropic expansion, and the
constant pressure heat rejection processes. There is no compression process for the working
fluid. Due to the absence of the compression process, it will result in less thermal efficiency
than the other Air-Standard Cycles such as Otto Cycle, Diesel Cycle, and Dual Cycle.
Thermal Efficiency of Lenoir Cycle
Thermodynamically, the efficiency is given by
Work done by the system = Heat supplied (𝑄𝑆) - Heat rejected (𝑄𝑅)
Figure 1
1→2
1 → 2 is a Constant Volume heat addition process. Where the fuel will be burnt under a
constant volume.
𝑃1
Where 𝑟𝑝 is the pressure ratio in the constant volume process which is equal to the 𝑃2
2→3
2 → 3 is an Isentropic Expansion, right after the combustion happens. It is a reversible
adiabatic expansion process. Actually where the work is generated.
3→1
3 → 1 is the Constant Pressure heat rejection, where the combustion particles will be released
into the surroundings at a constant pressure.
Let’s substitute these two above equations in the main efficiency equation.
From the above efficiency equation, we can observe that the efficiency of the Lenoir Cycle is
dependent on the pressure ratio, so it is poor in thermal efficiency when compared to the
thermal efficiencies of the Otto Cycle, Diesel Cycle and Dual Cycle. This Lenoir Cycle is
used in the Pulse Jet engines only.
FIRST THERMODYNAMIC APPLICATION IN THE SYSTEM (SINGLE UNIT)
Air is contained in a vertical piston-cylinder assembly fitted with an electrical resistor. The
2
atmospheric pressure is 100 kPa and the piston has a mass of 50 Kg and a face area of 0.1 𝑚
. Electric current passes through the resistor, and the volume of air slowly increases by
3
0. 045 𝑚 . The mass of the air is 0.3 Kg and its specific energy increases by 42.2 KJ/Kg.
Assume the assembly (including the piston) is insulated and neglects the friction between the
2
cylinder and piston, 𝑔 = 9. 8 𝑚/𝑠 . Determine the heat transfer from the resistor to air for a
system consisting:
a) The air alone.
b) The air and the piston.
Figure 2
Assumptions:
★ Two closed systems are under consideration, as shown in figure 2.
★ The only heat transfer is from the resistor to the air. △𝑃𝐸 = △𝐾𝐸 = 0 (for air)
★ The internal energy of the piston is not affected by the heat transfer.
SOLUTION
a) Taking the air as the system,
(△𝐾𝐸 + △𝑃𝐸 + △𝑈)𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑄 − 𝑊
𝑄 = 𝑊 + △𝑈𝑎𝑖𝑟
For this system work is done at the bottom of the piston. The work done by the system is (at
constant pressure):
𝑣2
𝑊 = ∫ 𝑃𝑑𝑉 = 𝑃(𝑉2 − 𝑉1)
𝑣1
The pressure acting on the air can be found from
𝑃𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛
𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔
𝑃= 𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛
+ 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
( )(
2
( )
𝑃=
(50𝑘𝑔) 9.81𝑚/𝑠
(0.1𝑚 ) 2
1𝑃𝑎
1𝑁/𝑚
2
1𝑘𝑃𝑎
1000𝑃𝑎 )+ 100𝑘𝑃𝑎 = 104. 91𝑘𝑃𝑎
Thus, the work is
3
𝑊 = (104. 91𝑘𝑃𝑎) 0. 042𝑚 ( )= 4. 721 𝐾𝐽
With △𝑈𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑟△𝑢𝑎𝑖𝑟, the heat transfer is
𝑄 = 𝑊 + 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑟△𝑢𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 4. 721𝑘𝐽 + (0. 3𝑘𝑔)(42. 2𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔) = 17. 38𝐾𝐽
b) System consisting of the air and the piston. The first law becomes
(△𝐾𝐸 + △𝑃𝐸 + △𝑈)𝑎𝑖𝑟 + (△𝐾𝐸 + △𝑃𝐸 + △𝑈)𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝑄 − 𝑊
Where (△𝐾𝐸 = △𝑃𝐸)𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 0 and (△𝐾𝐸 = △𝑈)𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 0. Thus, it simplifies to:
(△𝑈)𝑎𝑖𝑟 + (△𝑃𝑒)𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝑄 − 𝑊
For this system, work is done at the top of the piston and pressure is the atmospheric
pressure. The work becomes
3
𝑊 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚△𝑉 = (100𝑘𝑃𝑎) 0. 045𝑚 ( ) = 4. 5𝑘𝐽
The elevation change required to evaluate the potential energy change of the piston can be
found from the volume change:
3 2
△𝑧 = △𝑉 / 𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 0. 045𝑚 / 0. 1𝑚 = 0. 45𝑚
2
( )
(△𝑃𝐸)𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑔△𝑧 = (50𝑘𝑔) 9. 81𝑚/𝑠 (0. 45𝑚) = 220. 73𝐽 = 0. 221𝑘𝐽
𝑄 = 𝑊 + (△𝑃𝐸)𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 + 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑟△𝑢𝑎𝑖𝑟
𝑄 = 4. 5𝑘𝐽 + 0. 221𝑘𝐽 + (0. 3𝑘𝑔)(42. 2𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔) = 17. 38𝑘𝐽
Note that the heat transfer is identical in both systems.
SECOND THERMODYNAMIC APPLICATION IN THE SYSTEM (LENOIR CYCLE)
The Lenoir cycle is to be used as a model for a pulsed detonation engine. If it takes in air
(before heating) at 300 K and 100 kPa and the peak pressure is 2000 kPa, find the thermal
efficiency of the cycle.
Solution
Where;
P1 = 100 kPa P2 = 2000 kPa
T1 = 500 K
Efficiency (η)
𝑃2 2000 𝑘𝑃𝐴
𝑟𝑝= 𝑃1
= 100 𝑘𝑃𝐴
= 20 y = 1.387 (based from table)
1/1.387
η = 1-1.387 [ (20 )−1 ]
20−1
= 0.4401 @ 44.01 %
SUGGESTION
● Reduce temperature (T1)
- To increase heat capacity ratio (y)
When
T = 250 K
P1 = 100 kPA
P2 = 2000 kPA
2000 𝑘𝑃𝐴
𝑟𝑝= 100 𝑘𝑃𝐴
= 20 y = 1.401 (based from table)
1/1.401
η = 1-1.401 [ ( 20−1) ]
20 −1
= 0.4481 @ 44.81 %
● Increase pressure (P2)
- To increase pressure ratio (𝑟𝑝)
When
T = 500 K
P1 = 100 kPA
P2 = 2500 kPA
2500 𝑘𝑃𝐴
𝑟𝑝= 100 𝑘𝑃𝐴
= 25 y = 1.387 (based from table)
1/1.387
η = 1-1.387 [ ( 25−1) ]
25 −1
= 0.4693 @ 46.93 %
● Reduce pressure (P1)
- To increase pressure ratio (𝑟𝑝)
When
T = 500 K
P1 = 50 kPA
P2 = 2000 kPA
2000 𝑘𝑃𝐴
𝑟𝑝= 50 𝑘𝑃𝐴
= 40 y = 1.387 (based from table)
1/1.387
η = 1-1.387 [ ( 40−1) ]
40 −1
= 0.5273 @ 52.73 %
CONCLUSION
Finally, we finished the assignment on time. The assignment is completed in a group
setting, which allows us to better understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. Our bond
is strengthened as we work together to accomplish the assignment. We also attain the
assignment's major goal of understanding the syllabus and applying the basic principle in a
question or even in daily life. We properly calculated and stated above the calculation.We
have discussed the different processes in the lenoir cycle with the P-V and T-S diagrams and
also we have derived the equation of efficiency of the lenoir cycle. We apply what we learned
in thermodynamics from the calculation part. Although we had some difficulties in the
beginning, we never gave up and were eventually able to resolve the issues with the
assistance of seniors and lecturers.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our lecturer Dr Arif Muhammad
Sazali for all of the knowledge you taught us and the assistance you provided in answering
the questions.
REFERENCES
1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, April 15). Lenoir cycle. Wikipedia. Retrieve
from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenoir_cycle
2. S. (2019, March 24). What is the Lenoir Cycle? ExtruDesign. Retrieve from,
https://extrudesign.com/lenoir-cycle/
3. Mechanical funda for mechanical engineers
https://www.mechanicalfunda.com/2019/08/lenoir-cycle.html
4. https://testbook.com/question-answer/lenoir-cycle-is-used-for--6153105e131af3016b4
896b6
5. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/PV-and-TS-Diagram-of-Lenoir-cycle_fig5_30918
8073
6. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, April 15). Lenoir cycle. Wikipedia. Retrieve
from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenoir_cycle
7. S. (2019, March 24). What is the Lenoir Cycle? ExtruDesign. Retrieve from,
https://extrudesign.com/lenoir-cycle/
8. Mechanical funda for mechanical engineers
https://www.mechanicalfunda.com/2019/08/lenoir-cycle.html
9. https://testbook.com/question-answer/lenoir-cycle-is-used-for--6153105e131af3016b4
896b6
10. S. (2019, March 24). What is the Lenoir Cycle? ExtruDesign. Retrieve from,
11. https://extrudesign.com/lenoir-cyc
12. Mechanical funda for mechanical engineers
https://www.mechanicalfunda.com/2019/08/lenoir-cycle.html
13. https://testbook.com/question-answer/lenoir-cycle-is-used-for--6153105e131af3016b4
896b6
14. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/PV-and-TS-Diagram-of-Lenoir-cycle_fig5_30918
8073
