Saturation Vapor Curve

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The saturation vapor curve usually designates the separation curve between the two-phase state and the vapor state in the T-s thermodynamic diagram. When used in a power cycle, the fluid expansion depends strongly on the nature of this saturation curve :

  • A "wet" fluid has a negative saturation vapor curve. It is in two-phase state at the end of the expansion.

Wet fluid in an ORC cycle

  • An "isentropic" fluid has a vertical saturation vapor curve. It is very close to the saturated vapor state at the end of the expansion.

Isentropic fluid in an ORC cycle

  • A "dry" fluid has a positive saturation vapor curve. It is in dry vapor state at the end of the expansion.

Dry fluid in an ORC cycle