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I have often pointed out that no real cycle can be reversible, for a variety of reasons.
But, there are other problems with the Carnot Cycle as well.
In this lesson we will consider the additional problems with the Carnot Vapor Cycle.
To begin with, the Carnot Vapor Cycle requires that the boiler operate isothermally.
This makes it easier to arrange for heat transfer through an infinitesimal temperature
difference.
The problem is that this prohibits our boiler from producing superheated vapor.
Well, real turbines can be damaged if the quality of the effluent drops too low.
If we could superheat the turbine feed, we would be able to increase the quality of the
turbine effluent.
The Carnot Cycle also requires that the condenser operate isothermally.
This means that we cannot allow the turbine effluent to be a superheated vapor.
Finally, the most efficient pumps for vapor power cycles do not work well when any
vapor enters them.
But, if the condenser is designed and operated to produce a saturated liquid effluent, our
isentropic pump will yield a subcooled liquid at the pressure of the boiler.