The Mollier chart, also known as the enthalpy-entropy ($h$-$s$) diagram, is a vital graphical tool used by engineers to analyze the properties of steam and refrigerants.
1. Understanding the Chart Axes:
• Y-Axis (Vertical): Represents Enthalpy ($h$).
• X-Axis (Horizontal): Represents Entropy ($s$).
2. Defining Isentropic Process:
An isentropic process is one in which the
Entropy remains constant ($s_1 = s_2$). This is typical of ideal expansions in turbines or ideal compressions in pumps where there is no heat transfer and no internal friction.
3. Representation on the Chart:
Because an isentropic process means the value on the X-axis (Entropy) does not change while the value on the Y-axis (Enthalpy) increases or decreases:
• The process must be a straight line moving up or down.
• This creates a perfectly
Vertical line on the chart.
Conversely, a process at constant enthalpy (like throttling) would be represented by a horizontal line.