Example.

We have
Z=3
n = 1.3
Eq. 24 mdot = ?
T1 = T inlet = 32oC
P2/p1 = 70/0.98

 n −1

n  p2  zn 
z mRT
 1   − 1
n −1  p1  
 
 0.3

1.3 kg 1min kJ  70  3(1.3) 
3 3.47 0.287 302 K   − 1
0.3 min 60 sec kgK  0.98  
 
kJ
13 × 5.013
= 0.389 = 25.33kW
sec
 Exercise
In a single-acting, two-stage reciprocating air compressor 4.5 kg of air per minute
are compressed from 1.013 bar and 15oC through a pressure ratio of 9 to 1. Both
stages have the same pressure ratio, and the law of compression and expansion in
both stages is 𝑝𝑝𝑉𝑉 1.3 = constant. If intercooling is complete, calculate the indicated
power and the cylinder swept volumes required. Assume that the clearance
volumes of both stages are 5% of their respective swept volumes and that the
compressor runs at 300 rev/min.
Remember, since the m, n, and temperature difference between the two stages
are the same;

All parameters are given except Ti so,

 Exercise
In a single-acting, two-stage reciprocating air compressor 4.5 kg of air per minute
are compressed from 1.013 bar and 15oC through a pressure ratio of 9 to 1. Both
stages have the same pressure ratio, and the law of compression and expansion in
both stages is 𝑝𝑝𝑉𝑉 1.3 = constant. If intercooling is complete, calculate the indicated
power and the cylinder swept volumes required. Assume that the clearance
volumes of both stages are 5% of their respective swept volumes and that the
compressor runs at 300 rev/min.

OR
 n −1

n  p2  zn 
= z mRT
 1   − 1
n −1  p1  
 
1.3 kg 1min kJ  0.3

2 4.5 0.287 288 K ( 9 ) 2(1.3) − 1
0.3 min 60 sec kgK  
kJ
= 53.73
= 0.289 15.5kW
sec
 Exercise
In a single-acting, two-stage reciprocating air compressor 4.5 kg of air per minute are compressed from 1.013 bar
and 15oC through a pressure ratio of 9 to 1. Both stages have the same pressure ratio, and the law of
compression and expansion in both stages is 𝑝𝑝𝑉𝑉 1.3 = constant. If intercooling is complete, calculate the indicated
power and the cylinder swept volumes required. Assume that the clearance volumes of both stages are 5% of
their respective swept volumes and that the compressor runs at 300 rev/min.
 J 
0.015 [ kg ] × 287   × 288[ K ]
 kg . K  J
=Va − Vd = 0.0122[ ]
 Pa  Pa
1.013[bar ] ×105  
 bar 
kg ⋅ m 2
= 0.0122[
= sec 2 ] 0.0122m3
kg
m ⋅ sec 2

𝑉𝑉𝑜𝑜 𝑉𝑉𝑎𝑎 − 𝑉𝑉𝑑𝑑

η𝑣𝑣 = =
𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠
 Exercise
In a single-acting, two-stage reciprocating air compressor 4.5 kg of air per minute are compressed from 1.013 bar
and 15oC through a pressure ratio of 9 to 1. Both stages have the same pressure ratio, and the law of
compression and expansion in both stages is 𝑝𝑝𝑉𝑉 1.3 = constant. If intercooling is complete, calculate the indicated
power and the cylinder swept volumes required. Assume that the clearance volumes of both stages are 5% of
their respective swept volumes and that the compressor runs at 300 rev/min.

Remember

Two identical
compressor