Reheat factor — definition check “The ratio of the cumulative heat drop (sum of effective enthalpy drops over all stages) to the overall isentropic heat drop is called the reheat factor.” Is this statement correct?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Yes

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Because real stages have varying efficiencies and the specific volume increases as steam expands, the total of the per-stage heat drops may not exactly equal the single isentropic drop between inlet and exhaust. The reheat factor summarizes this difference and is used in detailed performance estimates.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Multi-stage turbine with known inlet and exit states.
  • Per-stage enthalpy drops are measurable or estimable.
  • Isentropic reference is taken between the same end states.


Concept / Approach:
Reheat factor RF = (cumulative heat drop over stages) / (overall isentropic heat drop). In many practical turbines RF is slightly greater than 1 because of the way velocity and volume change across stages and how losses distribute, though the exact value depends on inlet conditions, back pressure, and stage design.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute per-stage effective enthalpy drop from measurements/calculations.Sum these drops to obtain the cumulative heat drop.Determine the ideal isentropic drop from inlet to exit states.Form RF = cumulative drop / isentropic drop.


Verification / Alternative check:
Performance maps often report RF around 1.02–1.07; when multiplied by internal efficiency, it helps reconcile stage-wise sums with overall turbine output.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Choosing “No” would contradict standard steam-turbine terminology used in design texts and practice.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing RF with “reheat” in the Rankine cycle hardware; RF does not require an actual reheater between turbine sections.


Final Answer:
Yes

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