Isentropic Efficiency Calculator
Calculate the efficiency of Turbines and Compressors based on Enthalpy.
About Isentropic Efficiency
Isentropic efficiency (also known as adiabatic efficiency) is a critical parameter in thermodynamics used to evaluate the performance of steady-flow devices such as turbines, compressors, pumps, and nozzles. It compares the actual performance of the device to the performance that would be achieved under ideal conditions (isentropic process).
An isentropic process is one that is both adiabatic (no heat transfer) and reversible (no friction or internal losses). In reality, real-world machines involve irreversibilities like friction and turbulence, which increase the entropy of the system.
Formulas Used
The calculation differs depending on whether the device produces work (Turbine) or consumes work (Compressor/Pump).
1. Turbine Efficiency (ηt)
A turbine extracts energy from a fluid, causing a pressure and enthalpy drop. The actual work output is always less than the ideal isentropic work output.
ηt = (h1 – h2) / (h1 – h2s)
2. Compressor Efficiency (ηc)
A compressor adds energy to a fluid, increasing pressure and enthalpy. The actual work input required is always more than the ideal isentropic work input.
ηc = (h2s – h1) / (h2 – h1)
Key Input Definitions
- Inlet Enthalpy (h1): The specific enthalpy of the fluid entering the device.
- Actual Exit Enthalpy (h2): The specific enthalpy of the fluid leaving the real-world device.
- Isentropic Exit Enthalpy (h2s): The specific enthalpy at the exit pressure if the entropy had remained constant (s1 = s2s). This is usually found using property tables or Mollier charts.
Typical Efficiency Ranges
While efficiency varies by design and size, typical industrial values are:
- Steam Turbines: 75% to 90%
- Gas Turbines: 85% to 95%
- Compressors: 75% to 85%