Question

Steam is the most common working fluid used in vapor power cycles because of its
1. availability
2. low cost
3. high enthalpy of vaporization
4. all of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : all of the above

Explanation:

Vapour power cycle

• A cycle which continuously converts heat into work is known as a power cycle. In a power cycle, the working fluid repeatedly performs a succession of processes. If the working fluid is alternately vaporized and condensed, then the cycle is called vapour power cycle.
• The heat energy from an energy source like the combustion of coal, or from nuclear fission is utilized to heat the water which changes phase and becomes steam.
• This steam is superheated to avoid any possibility of water carriage and to increase the enthalpy.

Water is used as a working fluid in steam power plants because of the following characteristics:

• Low cost
• easy availability
• high enthalpy of vaporisation