Free Compressor Power Calculator
Calculate the theoretical power required for adiabatic (isentropic) compression of an ideal gas.
Actual Shaft Power
183.16 kW
Actual Shaft Power vs Mass Flow Rate (m)
Adiabatic Compressor Power
The isentropic (ideal adiabatic) compression process provides the theoretical minimum power needed. Real compressors require more power due to irreversibilities.
Formula
W_ideal = m × Cp × T1 × (PR^((gamma-1)/gamma) - 1)
W_actual = W_ideal / eta_isentropic
T2 = T1 × (1 + (PR^((gamma-1)/gamma) - 1) / eta)
where PR is the pressure ratio, gamma is the specific heat ratio, and eta is the isentropic efficiency.
Example Calculation
Compressing 1 kg/s of air from 300 K with pressure ratio 4, gamma=1.4, eta=80%.
- 01(gamma-1)/gamma = 0.4/1.4 = 0.2857
- 02PR^0.2857 = 4^0.2857 = 1.486
- 03Ideal power = 1 × 1.005 × 300 × (1.486 - 1) = 301.5 × 0.486 = 146.5 kW
- 04Actual power = 146.5 / 0.80 = 183.2 kW
- 05T2 = 300 × (1 + 0.486/0.80) = 300 × 1.608 = 482.3 K
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