Power plant performance criteria

For a gas turbine operating as a combined heat and power plant, the energy utilisation factor (EUF) is a better criterion of performance than the thermal efficiency. It is defined as the ratio of work output (W) plus useful heat output (Qu) to the fuel energy supplied (F),... 

But for power station applications, the thermal efficiency is not the only measure of the performance of a plant. While a new type of plant may involve some reduction in running costs due to improved thermal efficiency, it may also involve additional capital costs. The cost of electricity produced is the crucial criterion within the overall economics, and this depends not only on the thermal efficiency and capital costs, but also on the price of fuel, operational and maintenance costs, and the taxes imposed. Yet another factor, which has recently become important, is the production by gas turbine plants of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide) which contribute to global warming. Many countries are now considering the imposition of a special tax on the amount of CO2 produced by a power plant, and this may adversely affect the economics. So consideration of a new plant in future will involve not only the factors listed above but also the amount of CO2 produced per unit of electricity together with the extra taxes that may have to be paid. 

This criteria of performance has less relevance to a combined heat and power plant which provides heat and generates electrical power. For an open circuit gas turbine plant, a more logical criterion is the energy utilisation factor (EUF) which can be calculated as... 

A third performance criterion developed for combined heat and power plant involves compari.son between the fuel required to meet the given loads of electricity and heat in the CHP plant with that required in a reference system . The latter involves conventional plants that meet the same load demands (indicated by subscript D), for example, in a conventional electric power station and in a heat only boiler. 

Criterion 6. Design for a nuclear power plant Should minimize contamination of the facility. Reliance on passive systems or inherent features to perform fundamental safety functions should be emphasized. Design-basis threats (DBTs) should be included in the scope. 

Criterion 3 3. Sharing of safety systems between multiple units of a nuclear power plant Shall not be shared between multiple units unless this contributes to enhanced safety it can be shown that such sharing will not significantly impair their ability to perform their safety functions, including, in the event of an accident in one unit, an orderly shutdown and cool down of the remaining units. 

The important point is that if a new energy technology fails in any of these critical dimensions, widespread commercialization will not occur. The research community should work to address each criterion for market acceptance when considering new technology options. While performance, cost, safety, and public acceptance are most important, researchers should aim to identify fundamental barriers to widespread use in any dimension. Research must be aware of the dimensions of performance that may become important and avoid focusing solely on emissions, separations, or power plants. 

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