Turbines, steam thermal efficiency

A comparison of the effect of the various cycles on the overall thermal efficiency is shown in Fig. 29-40. The most effective cycle is the Brayton-Ranidne (combined) cycle. This cycle has tremendous potential in power plants and in the process industries where steam turbines are in use in many areas. The initial cost of the combined cycle is between 800- 1200 per kW while that of a simple cycle is about 300- 600 per kW. Repowering of existing steam plants by adding gas turbines can improve tne over plant efficiency of an existing steam turbine plant by as much as 3 to 4 percentage points. 

In a combined cycle plant, high steam pressures do not necessarily convert to a high thermal efficiency for a combined cycle power plant. Expanding the steam at higher steam pressure causes an increase in the moisture content at the exit of the steam turbine. The increase in moisture content creates major erosion and corrosion problems in the later stages of the turbine. A limit is set at about 10% (90% steam quality) moisture content. 

Figure 3-19 shows the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine and the Brayton-Rankin cycle (gas turbine exhaust being used in the boiler) based on the LHV of the gas. This figure shows that below 50% of the rated load, the combination cycle is not effective. At full load, it is obvious the benefits one can reap from a combination cycle. Figure 3-20 shows the fuel consumption as a function of the load, and Figure 3-21 shows the amount of steam generated by the recovery boiler. 

Because fuel costs are high, the search is on for processes with higher thermal efficiency and for ways to improve efficiencies of existing processes. One process being emphasized for its high efficiency is the gas turbine combined cycle. The gas turbine exhaust heat makes steam in a waste heat boiler. The steam drives turbines, often used as lielper turbines. References 1, 2, and 3 treat this subject and mention alternate equipment hookups, some in conjunction with coal gasification plants. 

The condensing steam turbine has a relatively low thermal efficiency because about two-thirds of the steam enthalpy is lost to cooling water in the condenser. Expensive boiler feedwater treatment is required to remove chlorides, salts, and silicates, which can be deposited on the blades causing premature failure. The blades are already under erosion conditions because of water drops present in the condensing steam. Even with these disadvantages, the condensing turbine is still selected, especially in a process that requires very large compressor drivers and relatively low amounts of process steam. 

Newby et al. found that increasing the PO turbine pressure resulted in higher steam flow (for a given pinch point temperature difference in the HRSG), increased PO turbine power and overall plant efficiency. However, at the highest pressure of 100 bar attempts to increase the steam flow further resulted in incomplete combustion in the main combustor and the overall thermal efficiency did not increase substantially at this pressure level. 

Steam jet thermocompressors or steam boosters are used to boost or raise the pressure of low pressure steam to a pressure intermediate bettveen this and the pressure of the motive high pressure steam. These are useful and economical when the steam balance allows the use of the necessary pressure levels. The reuse of exhaust steam from turbines is frequently encountered. The principle of operation is the same as for other ejectors. The position of the nozzle with respect to the diffuser is critical, and care must be used to properly posidon all gaskets, etc. The thermal efficiency is high as the only heat loss is due to radiation [5]. 

An ideal Rankine cycle uses water as a working fluid, which circulates at a rate of 80kg/sec. The boiler pressure is 6 MPa, and the condenser pressure is 10 kPa. Determine (1) the power required to operate the pump, (2) the heat transfer added to the water in the boiler, (3) the power developed by the turbine, (4) the heat transfer removed from the condenser, (5) the quality of steam at the exit of the turbine, and (6) the thermal efficiency of the cycle. 

In a Rankine power plant, the steam temperature and pressure at the turbine inlet are 1000°F and 2000 psia. The temperature of the condensing steam in the condenser is maintained at 60° F. The power generated by the turbine is 30,000 hp. Assuming all processes to be ideal, determine (1) the pump power required (hp), (2) the mass flow rate, (3) the heat transfer added in the boiler (Btu/hr), (4) the heat transfer removed from the condenser (Btu/hr), and (5) the cycle thermal efficiency (%). 

Steam is generated in the boiler of a steam power plant operating on an ideal Rankine cycle at 10 MPa and 500° C at a steady rate of 80 kg/sec. The steam expands in the turbine to a pressure of 7.5 kPa. Determine (1) the quality of the steam at the turbine exit, (2) rate of heat rejection in the condenser, (3) the power delivered by the turbine, and (4) the cycle thermal efficiency (%). 

The thermal efficiency of the Rankine cycle can be increased by the use of regenerative heat exchange as shown in Fig. 2.15. In the regenerative cycle, a portion of the partially expanded steam is drawn off between the high-and low-pressure turbines. The steam is used to preheat the condensed... 

A Rankine/Rankine combined cycle is shown in Fig. 5.16. The exhaust from the top steam turbine (TURl) is hot enough to generate freon vapor in a waste-heat boiler. The freon vapor generated can power a freon turbine, thus increasing the total work produced. The Rankine/Rankine combined cycle has a thermal efficiency greater than either a steam or freon cycle may have by itself. The power plant occupies less area, and the fuel requirements are less. 

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