The process starts when water is impelled by a computer controlled pump from a storage tank to a computer controlled water boiler, where it is transformed into steam. The boiler is made up of heating elements, whose power is measured and controlled, and includes all the safety measures required for a safe operation, such as safety valve and level switch.
When the generated steam reaches the working conditions, it is expanded in a two cylinder steam motor, generating electrical power, which is measured.
Steam is condensed at the outlet of the motor using a water flow in a heat exchanger. Condensate is collected in a measuring tank and goes to the storage tank again.
The unit includes a band-brake dynamometer to exert torque. This brake is jointly connected to the shaft of the motor, transferring the torque and power and allowing for measuring the speed, torque and power of the motor.
A throttling calorimeter to measure the dryness fraction of the steam is included.
The unit includes all the instrumentation required to measure temperatures, pressures and flows of the key points to analyze the Rankine cycle: steam condensate flow, inlet and outlet pressure of the boiler and motor water and temperature measurement in the key points.