Air Standard Power Cycles
Air standard power cycles are cycles that use air as the working medium. In our analysis, we will assume that air is a perfect gas with constant specific heats throughout the process, heat is supplied from a constant high temperature source and there are no heat losses from the system to the surroundings.
Otto Cycle
Otto cycle or also known as constant-volume heat addition cycle was proposed by Nicolaus Otto (1876). It is used as the basis of comparison for spark-ignition engine (Gasoline engines).
Diesel and Seiliger Cycle
Diesel cycle or also known as constant-pressure cycle was proposed by Rudolf Diesel (1892). It is used as the basis of comparison for compression-ignition engine (Diesel engines).
Dual combustion cycle or Seiliger cycle is a combination of Otto cycle and Diesel cycle.
Stirling and Ericsson Cycle
Stirling cycle is a regenerative thermodynamic cycle that consists of two isothermal and two constant volume processes. Robert Stirling, a Scottish clergyman introduced this cycle in 1816. A related cycle is the Ericsson cycle, consisting of two isothermal and two constant pressure processes.
Ericsson cycle have slight difference compared with Stirling cycle. Both of the cycle has the same thermal efficiency as the Carnot cycle between the same temperature limits.
Brayton Cycle
Brayton cycle or sometimes called Joule cycle is named after an American engineer, George Brayton in 1870s, is the basis of comparison for gas-turbines.
Vapor Power Cycle
A power cycle in which the working fluid is alternately vaporized and condensed is termed vapor power cycle.
The Rankine cycle is similar to the Carnot cycle except that the compression process occurs in the liquid region. The Rankine cycle is closely approximated in steam turbine plants.
Compression Refrigeration Cycle
Refrigeration cycle is a heat engine working in reverse. Its main function is to extract as much heat from a cold body as possible and expel it to a hot body.