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:
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
Discussion & Comments