Chapter 5

Second law of Thermodynamics

BITS Pilani
Hyderabad Campus
Problem 1
An air conditioner as shown in figure below discards 6.2
kW to the ambient surroundings with a power input of 1.8
kW. Find the rate of cooling and the COP.

Solution:

𝑄𝐻ሶ =6.2 kW goes to ambient

Energy equation: 𝑄𝐿ሶ = 𝑄𝐻ሶ − 𝑊ሶ =6.2−1.8 =
4.4 kW
𝑄𝐿ሶ
βref = ሶ
= 2.44
𝑊𝑖𝑛
Problem 2
A farmer runs a heat pump with a 2 kW motor. It should
keep a chicken hatchery at 30◦C, which loses energy at a
rate of 10 kW to the colder ambient Tamb. What is the
minimum COP that will be acceptable for the heat pump?
 Problem 2
Solution:
Given that the heat pump has a 2 𝑘𝑊 motor, that is, the work input to the heat
pump is
𝑊ሶ = 2 𝑘𝑊

Also, given that there is a constant heat loss from the hatchery to the surroundings
of 10 𝑘𝑊, which has to be provided by the heat pump.
𝑄ሶ 𝐻 = 𝑄ሶ 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 10 𝑘𝑊

From the definition of the COP, we have,

𝑄ሶ 𝐻 10
𝛽 = 𝐶𝑂𝑃 = = =5
𝑊 ሶ 2
Thus, the coefficient of performance of the heat pump must be 5 for the hatchery to
maintain a constant temperature.
Problem 3
A large stationary diesel engine produces 15 MW with a thermal
efficiency of 40%. The exhaust gas, which we assume is air, flows out
at 800 K and the temperature of the intake air is 290 K. Assuming this
to be the only way we reject heat, how large a mass flow rate is that?
Can the exhaust flow energy be used?
 Problem 3
Solution:
Given that the thermal efficiency is 40%, i.e., 𝜂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 = 0.4. The work output is given as
𝑊ሶ 𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 15 𝑀𝑊
From the formula of thermal efficiency of the heat engine, we have,
𝑊ሶ
𝜂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 =
𝑄ሶ 𝐻
𝑊ሶ 15
⇒ 𝑄𝐻 =ሶ = = 37.5 𝑀𝑊
𝜂𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 0.4
From the energy equation, we have,
𝑄ሶ 𝐿 = 𝑄ሶ 𝐻 − 𝑊ሶ = 37.5 − 15 = 22.5 𝑀𝑊
For the exhaust, we have,
𝑄ሶ 𝐿 = 𝑚ሶ 𝑎𝑖𝑟 ℎ800 − ℎ290
From table A.7., we have ℎ800 = 822.2 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔, and ℎ290 = 290.43 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔
Thus, the mass flow rate of air is given as
𝑄ሶ 𝐿 22.5 × 1000
𝑚ሶ 𝑎𝑖𝑟 = = = 42.312 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
ℎ800 − ℎ290 822.2 − 290.43
This hot stream of air can be used for heating other components, or the enthalpy can be used
to drive a turbine (turbocharger).
Problem 4
A large heat pump should upgrade 5 MW of heat at 85°C to be
delivered as heat at 150°C. What is the minimum amount of work
(power) input that will drive this?
Problem 4
For minimum possible work input, we assume a
Carnot heat pump, with the heat value of 𝑄ሶ 𝐿 = 5 𝑀𝑊

From the formula of coefficient of performance, we have,

𝑄ሶ 𝐻 𝑇𝐻
𝛽𝐻𝑃 = = = 6.5077
ሶ
𝑊𝑖𝑛 𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝐿

In the case of refrigerator, the coefficient is given as

𝑄ሶ 𝐿
𝛽𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 𝛽𝐻𝑃 − 1 = =5.5077
𝑊ሶ 𝑖𝑛

Thus, solving for work, we get,

𝑄ሶ 𝐿 5
ሶ
𝑊𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.9078 𝑀𝑊
𝛽𝑟𝑒𝑓 5.51
Problem 5
A thermal storage is made with a rock (granite) bed of 2 m3 which is
heated to 400 K using solar energy. A heat engine receives a QH from
the bed and rejects heat to the ambient at 290 K. The rock bed
therefore cools down and as it reaches 290 K the process stops. Find
the energy the rock bed can give out. What is the heat engine efficiency
at the beginning of the process and what is it at the end of the process?
 Problem 5
Solution:

It is given that the current process is that of a heat engine. Thus, for calculating the maximum
possible efficiency, we assume a Carnot engine between the two reservoirs.

Thus, the total change of energy for the rock bed is given as
𝑢2 − 𝑢1 = 𝑞 = 𝐶Δ𝑇 = 0.89 400 − 290 = 97.9 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔

The mass of the rocks is given as

𝑚 = 𝜌 𝑉 = 2750 × 2 = 5500 𝑘𝑔

Thus, the total amount of heat that can be given out by the rock bed is given as
𝑄 = 𝑚𝑞 = 5500 × 97.9 = 538 450 𝑘𝐽
The efficiency of the Carnot cycle at the beginning of the process is

𝑇 290
𝜂 =1− = 1− = 0.275
𝑇𝐻 400
𝑇 290
The efficiency at the end of the process is 𝜂 = 1 − 𝑇 = 1 − 290 = 0
𝐻
Problem 6
A steel bottle of V = 0.1 m3 contains R-134a at 20 °C and 200 kPa. It is
placed in a deep freezer, where it is cooled to -20 °C. The deep freezer
sits in a room with an ambient temperature of 20 °C and has an inside
temperature of -20 °C. Find the amount of energy the freezer must
remove from the R-134a and the minimum amount of work input to the
freezer to do the process.
Solution:

Energy equation: m(𝑢2 − 𝑢1 ) =1𝑄2

𝑘𝐽 𝑉
𝑣1 = 0.11436 m3/kg 𝑢1 = 395.27 𝑘𝑔 𝑚 = 𝑣 = 0.87443 𝑘𝑔
1
Problem 6
State 2: 𝑣2 = 𝑣1 =0.11436 m3/kg < 𝑣𝑔 (0.14649) −−−−−→ 2 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒

𝑣−𝑣𝑓 𝑘𝐽
𝑥2 = =0.77957 𝑢2 = 𝑢𝑓 + 𝑥𝑢𝑓𝑔 = 323.99 𝑘𝑔
𝑣𝑓𝑔

1𝑄2 =-62.334 kJ

Consider the freezer and assume Carnot cycle

𝑄𝐿 𝑇𝐿
𝛽= = = 6.33
𝑊 𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝐿
𝑄𝐿 62.334
𝑊𝑖𝑛 = = = 9.85 𝑘𝐽
𝛽 6.33
Problem 7
An ideal gas Carnot cycle with air in a
piston cylinder has a high temperature
of 1200 K and a heat rejection at 400 K.
During the heat addition the volume
triples. Find the two specific heat
transfers (q) in the cycle and the overall
cycle efficiency.
Problem 7
Solution:

From the integration of the process curves, we

𝑣2
have, 𝑞𝐻 = 𝑅𝑇𝐻 ln 𝑣1

⇒ 𝑞𝐻 = 0.287 × 1200 × ln 3
⇒ 𝑞𝐻 = 378.362 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔

As this is a Carnot cycle, the cycle efficiency is given as,

𝑇𝐿 400
𝜂 𝑇𝐻 = 1 − =1− = 0.667
𝑇𝐻 1200

The heat transfer to the low temperature reservoir is given as

𝑇𝐿
𝑞𝐿 = 𝑞𝐻 = 126.121 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔
𝑇𝐻
Problem 8
A heat engine receives 6 kW from a 250 °C source and rejects heat at
30 °C. Examine each of three cases with respect to the inequality of
Clausius. a. 𝑊 ̇= 6 kW b. 𝑊 ̇= 0 kW c. Carnot cycle
Solution:
The hot and cold reservoirs in the heat engine are given as
𝑇𝐻 = 250 + 273 = 523 𝐾 and 𝑇𝐿 = 30 + 273 = 303 𝐾
For Case (a), the Clausius inequality is given as
𝑑 𝑄ሶ 6000 0
න = − = 11.47 𝑊. 𝐾 −1 > 0
𝑇 523 303
Thus, the given case of heat engine is impossible to achieve in real life.
For case (b), the Clausius inequality is given as
𝑑 𝑄ሶ 6000 6000
න = − = −8.329 𝑊. 𝐾 −1 < 0
𝑇 523 303
Thus, the given case of heat engine is possible to achieve in real life.
Problem 8
For the Carnot Engine, the Clausius Inequality is defined as
𝑑 𝑄ሶ 6000 𝑄ሶ 𝐿
න =0⇒ − =0
𝑇 523 303
𝑄ሶ 𝐿 6000 6000
= ሶ
⇒ 𝑄𝐿 = 303 × = 3.476 𝑘𝑊
303 523 523
Thus, the work done by the given Carnot Engine is given as
𝑊ሶ = 𝑄ሶ 𝐻 − 𝑄ሶ 𝐿 = 6.0 − 3.476 = 2.524 𝑘𝑊
Thus, the Carnot Engine gives a work output of 2.524 kW.
 Problem 9
A cyclic machine, shown in Fig. receives 325 kJ from a 1000 K energy
reservoir. It rejects 125 kJ to a 400 K energy reservoir, and the cycle produces
200 kJ of work as output. Is this cycle reversible, irreversible, or impossible? If
the actual machine has an efficiency that is half that of the corresponding
Carnot cycle, find the work out and the rejected heat transfer.
 Problem 9
Solution:
This cyclic machine behaves as a heat engine.
The maximum possible efficiency that is possible between two heat reservoirs is the Carnot
engine between the two temperature reservoirs.
Thus, the maximum possible efficiency between the two reservoirs is given by
𝑇𝐿
𝜂𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 1 −
𝑇𝐻
400
⇒ 𝜂𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 1 − = 0.6
1000
In this particular situation, the efficiency of the heat engine is given as
𝑊 200
𝜂𝑒𝑛𝑔 = = = 0.61538
𝑄𝐻 325
As the efficiency at the given conditions is more than the Carnot cycle, this heat cycle is
impossible to attain in real life.
If 𝜂𝑒𝑛𝑔 = 0.5 𝜂𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡
𝑄𝐿 = 𝑄𝐻 − 𝑤 = 227.5 𝑘𝐽
Problem 10
A car engine with a thermal efficiency of 33% drives the air conditioner
unit (a refrigerator) as well as powering the car and other auxiliary
equipment. On a hot (35 °C) summer day, the air conditioner takes
outside air in and cools it to 5 °C, sending it into a duct using 2 kW of
power input. It is assumed to be half as good as a Carnot refrigeration
unit. Find the extra rate of fuel (kW) being burned just to drive the air
conditioner unit and its COP. Find the flow rate of cold air the air
conditioner unit can provide.
ሶ
𝑊𝐸𝑥 2 𝑄 𝑇𝐿
𝑄𝐸𝑥ሶ = = = 6 𝑘𝑊 𝛽=𝑊 𝐿 = 0.5𝛽𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 0.5 𝑇 = 4.636
η 0.33 𝑖𝑛 𝐻 −𝑇𝑙

ሶ =𝑚ሶ 𝐶
𝑄𝐿 = 𝛽 𝑊𝐸𝑥 = 9.272ሶ 𝑘𝑊 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 ∆𝑇𝑎𝑖𝑟

9.272
𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑟
ሶ = = 0.308 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
1.004 (35 − 5)
 Problem 11
An ocean thermal power plant uses energy from the top surface water at 20
°C and reject heat 200 m deep where the water is at 5 °C. What is the
maximum possible efficiency? For a total power output of 5 MW what rate of
energy must be extracted from the top surface water?
 Problem 11
Solution:

For calculating the maximum possible efficiency, we assume a Carnot engine between the two
heat reservoirs, which are at temperatures of

𝑇𝐻 = 293.15 𝐾 and 𝑇𝐿 = 278.15 𝐾

The maximum possible efficiency between the two reservoirs is given as

𝑇𝐿 278.15
𝜂𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 1 − =1− = 0.05116
𝑇𝐻 293.15

From the formula of efficiency, the heat transfer for a given work done is

𝑊ሶ 𝑊ሶ 5
𝜂𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = ሶ
⇒ 𝑄𝐻 = = = 97.732 𝑀𝑊
ሶ
𝑄𝐻 𝜂 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 0.05116

For a power output of 5 MW, the rate of energy extraction from the top surface water is equal
to 97.732 MW.
 Problem 12
An air conditioner cools a house at TL = 20 °C with a maximum of 1.2 kW
power input. The house gains 0.6 kW per degree temperature difference to
the ambient and the refrigeration COP is 0.6 times the Carnot COP. Find the
maximum outside temperature, TH, for which the air conditioner provides
sufficient cooling.
Problem 12
Solution:
𝑇𝐿=𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒
𝑇𝐻=𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏
The heat pump must remove the leaking heat to maintain the temperature.
𝑄ሶ 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑘 = 0.6 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 = 𝑄ሶ 𝐿
𝑄ሶ 𝐿 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒
𝛽= = 0.6 𝛽𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 0.6
𝑊ሶ 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒
Substitute in for 𝑄ሶ 𝐿 and multiply with 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑊, ሶ we have,
0.6 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 2 = 0.6 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑊ሶ
Since 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 = 293.15 𝐾, and 𝑊ሶ = 1.2 𝑘𝑊, it follows that
𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 2 = 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑊ሶ
⇒ 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 2 = 293.15 × 1.2 = 351.78 𝐾 2
Thus, solving, we get,
𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 − 𝑇𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 = 18.756
Thus,
𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 = 311.906 𝐾 = 38.756°𝐶
The ambient temperature for the sufficient cooling is 𝑇𝑎𝑚𝑏 = 38.756°𝐶
Problem 13
We wish to produce refrigeration at −30◦C. A reservoir, shown in Fig, is
available at 200◦C, and the ambient temperature is 30◦C. Thus, work
can be done by a cyclic heat engine operating between the 200◦C
reservoir and the ambient surroundings. This work is used to drive the
refrigerator. Determine the ratio of the heat transferred from the 200◦C
reservoir to the heat transferred from the −20◦C reservoir, assuming
both devices have a performance that is 60% of the theoretical
maximum.
 Problem 13
Solution:

Given that the work done by the heat engine is used to drive the refrigerator

𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇0
𝑊 = 0.6 𝑄𝐻
𝑇𝐻

1 𝑇0 − 𝑇𝐿
𝑊= 𝑄𝐿
0.6 𝑇𝐿

As both works are the same, we equate the eqns, and get

𝑄𝐻 𝑇0 − 𝑇𝐿 𝑇𝐻 1 60 473.15 1
= = = 1.9077
𝑄𝐿 𝑇𝐿 𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇0 0.36 243.15 170 0.36

Thus, the ratio of the heat transferred from the 200◦C reservoir to the heat transferred from
the −30◦C reservoir is 1.9077.
Problem 14
A combination of a heat engine driving a heat pump (see Fig.) takes waste
energy at 50◦C as a source 𝑄𝑤1 to the heat engine rejecting heat at 30◦C.
The remainder, 𝑄𝑤2, goes into the heat pump that delivers a 𝑄𝐻 at 150◦C. If
the total waste energy is 5 MW, find the rate of energy delivered at the high
temperature.
Problem 14
Given that from the waste supply, we have the heat transfers as
𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 + 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 = 5 𝑀𝑊
𝑇
For the heat engine, 𝑊ሶ = 𝜂𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 = 1 − 𝑇 𝐿1 𝑄ሶ 𝑤1
𝐻1

𝑄 ሶ 𝑄𝑤2ሶ
For the heat pump, 𝑊ሶ = 𝛽 𝐻 = 𝛽′
𝐻𝑃
𝑄ሶ 𝑤2
⇒ 𝑊ሶ =
𝑇𝐻1
𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝐻1
Given that the work consumed by the heat pump is the same as given by the heat engine:
𝑇 𝑇𝐻 −𝑇𝐻1
Equating the two work terms, 𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 1 − 𝑇 𝐿1 = 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2
𝐻1 𝑇𝐻1

Substituting 𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 = 5 𝑀𝑊 − 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 , we have,
303.15 150 − 50
⇒ 1− 5 − 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 = 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 ×
323.15 323.15
⇒ 20 5 − 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 = 100 × 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 ⇒ 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 = 0.8333 𝑀𝑊
𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 = 5 − 0.8333 = 4.1667 𝑀𝑊
𝑊ሶ = 𝜂 𝑄ሶ 𝑤1 = 0.06189 × 4.1667 = 0.25788 𝑀𝑊
⇒ 𝑄ሶ 𝐻 = 𝑄ሶ 𝑤2 + 𝑊ሶ = 1.091 𝑀𝑊
 Problem 15
A Carnot heat engine, shown in Fig., receives energy from a reservoir at Tres
through a heat exchanger where the heat transferred is proportional to the
temperature difference as Q̇H = K(Tres − TH ). It rejects heat at a given low
temperature TL. To design the heat engine for maximum work output, show
that the high temperature, TH, in the cycle should be selected as TH =
(TLTres)1/2.
 Problem 15

Solution:
𝑇𝐻 − 𝑇𝐿
𝑊ሶ = η𝑄𝐻ሶ = 𝐾(𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑠 − 𝑇𝐿 )
𝑇𝐿
𝑑𝑊ሶ 𝑇
For maximum work output, = 0 = 𝐾 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑠 − 𝑇𝐿 𝑇𝐿 𝑇𝐻−2 − 𝐾 1 − 𝑇 𝐿 = 0
𝑑𝑇𝐻 𝐻

Rearrange to get TH = (TLTres)1/2

 Exit test 19th October
2023

 Heat is transferred to a heat engine from a

furnace at a rate of 80MW. If the rate of
waste heat rejection to a nearby river is
50MW, determine the net power output and
the thermal efficiency of this heat engine

Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS 111 Thermodynamics 30

 Exit test 19th October
2023

Q H = 80 MW ; Q L = 50 MW
W netoutput Q H − Q L
= = 
QH QH
30
= = 37.5%
80
Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS 111 Thermodynamics 31
 Exit test 24th October
2023

 An engineer claims to have developed an

engine with Wnet = 410kJ, QH= 1000kJ. TH =
500K and TL = 300K. Is this engine possible?

Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS F111 Thermodynamics 32

 Exit test 24th October
2023
 Thermal efficiency of HE = W/QH = (410/1000)*100
=41%

 The maximum efficiency is

[1-(TL/TH)]*100= [1-(300/500)]*100=40%

 Since claimed efficiency > Maximum possible

efficiency, the engine is not possible

Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS F111 Thermodynamics 33

 Exit test 26th October
2023

A house should be heated by a heat pump, COPhp=

2.2, and maintained at 20oC at all times. It is
estimated that it looses 0.8 kW per degree the
ambient is lower than the inside. Assume an outside
temperature of –10oC and find the needed power to
drive the heat pump?

Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS 111 Thermodynamics 34

 Exit test 26th October
2023
COPHP =   = 2.2
TH = 20o C, TL = −10o C
QH = Qleak = 0.8 (TH − TL )
= 0.8 ( 20 − {−10}) = 24 kW
QH
COPR =  =
Wnet ,in
QH 24
Wnet ,in = = = 10.91 kW
COPR 2.2
Dr. M. Srinivas, BITS 111 Thermodynamics 35
 BITS Pilani
Hyderabad Campus

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