Name . ID . Date ..

MONASH UNIVERSITY
Department of Mechanical Engineering
MEC2405 - THERMODYNAMICS

Experiment 2: Air Turbine and Generator

Duration: 90 Minutes, Subgroup Size: 3-5 people

Objectives:
1.
To determine the efficiency of each step of energy conversion for this experiment.
2.
To comment on the influence of the generator load and the suction power on the
performance of the system.
Equipment (See Figure 3.1): There are 3 similar experiments operating with different air
suction powers. Concentrate on your piece of equipment, but pay attention to the results
obtained by the other two sub-groups.
Procedure: The vacuum cleaner which provides the suction power for the air turbine will be
operating at a given suction condition. Set the generator load switch at maximum resistance,
allow 30 second for the air turbine speed to stabilise and during this time adjust the torque
reaction spring balance support so that the torque arm is horizontal. Then read all the data
and tabulate them in the spaces provided.
Repeat this for the other 5 switch settings and for open circuit on the generator load.
Calculations: During the laboratory session do the calculations required to determine the
efficiency of each step of energy conversion. First identify the independent steps, then
calculate the power input to that step and the power output and hence the efficiency. It is
possible that you will find that some steps of energy conversion have not been instrumented;
then you should take two steps together and give the combined efficiency for the two steps.
You will need to note the following for this experiment:
(1)

The venturi used for air flow rate determination has the following equation:

V = C At (2 P / )1 / 2 / 1 At 2 / A2

= Air volume flow rate (m3/s)

= Venturi discharge coefficient
= 0.96 for this installation
At = Throat area of venturi (m2)
= 1.54 x 10-4 m2
P = Pressure difference between approach pipe and throat of venturi (Pa)
= Air density at approach pipe (kg/m3)
= 1.21 kg/m3 at 20oC and atmospheric pressure
A = approach pipe area to venturi (m2)
= 11.3 x 10-4 m2

where

V
C

Therefore
(2)

)1 / 2

V = 1.94 x 10-4P

The electronic manometer measures pressure differences in millibar, and 1 millibar =

1 hPa = 100 Pa.

(3)
(4)
(5)

The flow of air through the turbine occurs with a very small temperature drop from
ambient temperature, therefore the process can be considered adiabatic.
The most convenient model for the working substance is the ideal gas equation.
The generator is shaft mounted so that its torque reaction may be measured. The
torque arm length to the centre of rotation is 20 mm.

Discussion: Prepare for the discussion by quickly graphing the various powers and
efficiencies on Figure 3.2. Label the axes fully, including units, so that your demonstrator can
quickly see what your calculated results look like. Then write a brief comment on the second
objective.

Figure 3.1 Equipment for Experiment 3.

Name:

Date:

Experiment 3: Air Turbine and Generator.

Turbine Speed
Spring Balance Reading
Venturi Approach Pressure
Venturi Throat Pressure
Suction Pressure
Generator Voltage

Units

Load Switch Settings

3
4
5

Open Circuit

Identification of Energy Conversion Steps

Step 1 _____________________________________________________________________
Step 2 _____________________________________________________________________
Step 3 _____________________________________________________________________
Step 4 _____________________________________________________________________
Etc.
Units
Calculations
Air Flowrate
Suction Air Power
Air Speed at Turbine Nozzle
Kinetic Power of Air Jet
Torque at Generator
Shaft Power
Generator Output Power
Eff. of Energy Conversion
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Etc.

Overall

Results from all Subgroups

Units

Our Subgroup

Subgroup 2

Subgroup 3

Comments and Discussion on Energy Conversion Efficiencies: Attach one A4 sheet (one
side only) to these pages, and discuss the results of your experiments, compare them with
likely theoretical or other experimental results, and draw appropriate conclusions. List any
references you may have consulted for this work.

Figure 3.2: Graphs of ..