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Rankine cycle
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{{Short description|Model that is used to predict the performance of steam turbine systems}} [[File:Rankine cycle layout.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Physical layout of the Rankine cycle<br/>1. [[Pump]], 2. [[Boiler]], 3. [[Turbine]], 4. [[Condenser (heat transfer)|Condenser]]]] {{thermodynamics|cTopic=Processes and Cycles}} The '''Rankine cycle''' is an idealized [[thermodynamic cycle]] describing the process by which certain [[heat engine]]s, such as [[steam turbine]]s or reciprocating steam engines, allow mechanical work to be extracted from a fluid as it moves between a heat source and [[heat sink]]. The Rankine cycle is named after [[William John Macquorn Rankine]], a Scottish [[polymath]] professor at [[Glasgow University]]. Heat energy is supplied to the system via a [[boiler]] where the [[working fluid]] (typically water) is converted to a high-pressure gaseous state (steam) in order to turn a [[turbine]]. After passing over the turbine the fluid is allowed to condense back into a liquid state as waste heat energy is rejected before being returned to boiler, completing the cycle. Friction losses throughout the system are often neglected for the purpose of simplifying calculations as such losses are usually much less significant than thermodynamic losses, especially in larger systems.
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