Steam generator thermodynamic analysis

Power generation plants such as the steam plant, the gas turbine plant, and combined cycle plants require the combustion of a fossil fuel. Now, combustion is a chemical reaction of fuel with an oxidant (usually oxygen), and it makes sense to examine the combustion process more closely and analyze its thermodynamic efficiency. This means that we will examine the furnace/combustor of Figures 9.8, 9.10, and 9.12. We will examine coal and gas combustion at the level needed for thermodynamic analysis, after discussing some commonly used coal combustion processes. 

Example 16.5 The operating conditions of a practical steam power plant are described in Example 8.1, parts (b) and (c). In addition, steam generation is accomplished in a fumace/boiler unit where methane is burned completely to C02 and H20 with 25 percent excess air. The flue gas leaving the furnace has a temperature of 460 K, and T0 = 298.15 K. Make a thermodynamic analysis of the power plant. 

The PR and steam to load ratio were determined based on the results of thermodynamic analysis and economic evaluation for the water production capacity of 40,000 m /day and electricity generation of 90 MW(e). 

Second law analysis has been widely used in the last several decades by many researchers. Exergy analysis usually predicts the thermodynamic performance of an energy system and the efficiency of the system components by accurately quantifying the entropy generation of the components [1]. Furthermore, exergoeconomic analysis estimates the unit cost of products such as electricity, steam and quantifies monetary loss due to irreversibility. Also, this analysis provides a tool for the optimum design and operation of complex thermal systems [1], [2], [3]. 

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