How much work is lost in an irreversible turbine?

Abstract

The question of how much work is lost in an adiabatic turbine due to its irreversibilities finds different answers when discussed on basis of the isentropic efficiency, or with the exergy method. In this contribution, we seek to clarify why the two viewpoints lead to quite distinct results for the lost work. In particular, we discuss how the “reversible work” of the exergy method could be realized and how to recover the “recoverable work of friction”. The difference between both approaches is explained.