Understanding Combustion Processes — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the complex topic of combustion processes, focusing on the calculation of heat transfer, enthalpy, and air-fuel ratio in different scenarios. It delves into the principles of thermodynamics, explaining how to apply the first law of thermodynamics to combustion processes. The lesson uses illustrative examples, such as the combustion of carbon and oxygen in a rigid vessel and the combustion of liquid fuel in a gas turbine engine. It also explains how to use standard enthalpy tables and how to calculate the enthalpy of reactants and products.

Video Highlights

02:00 - Explanation of the constant volume process and application of the first law
09:40 - Calculation of the heat transfer to the surroundings
11:13 - Explanation of the combustion process in a gas turbine engine
17:25 - Calculation of the air fuel ratio

Key Takeaways

- Combustion in a constant volume process involves the conversion of reactants into products at a constant volume.
- The first law of thermodynamics can be applied to calculate heat transfer in a combustion process.
- The enthalpy of reactants and products can be calculated using the standard enthalpy of formation and the sensible enthalpy.
- The air-fuel ratio in a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine can be determined using the enthalpy of reactants and products.
- Excess air is supplied in combustion processes to control the temperature and prevent material damage.