Design a condenser of a steam power plant

In summary, the problem is to design a condenser for a steam power plant with a thermal efficiency of 40%, generating 10 MW of electric power. The steam enters as saturated vapor at 10kPa and is to be condensed outside horizontal tubes using cooling water from a nearby river. The temperature rise of the water is limited to 8 degC and the velocity is limited to 6 m/s. The average heat flux is 12,000 W/m^2. The design will depend on calculating h4 and h1 from steam property tables, as well as determining the surface area and power constraints based on the pipe diameter and length.
  • #1
AliSadiq
2
0
This question is from my textbook: Thermodynamics an Engineering Approach 7ed SI Units, cengel. It is problem 10-129 and I can't seem to figure it out.

Design the condenser of a steam power plant that has a thermal efficiency of 40 percent and generates 10 MW of net electric power. Steam enters the condenser as saturated vapour at 10kPa, and it is to be condensed outside horizontal tubes through which cooling water from a nearby river flows. The temperature rise of the cooling water is limited 8 degC, and the velocity of the cooling water in the pipes is limited to 6 m/s to keep the pressure drop at an acceptable level. From prior experience, the average heat flux based on the outer surface of the tubes can be taken to be 12,000 W/m^2. Specify the pipe diameter, total pipe length and the arrangement of the pipes to minimize the condenser volume.

I found h4 and h1 from the steam property tables and I know that the surface area will be dependent on the heat flow out of the system divide by the heat flux per m^2 but can't seem to put it all together any help is appreciated.
 
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  • #2
What are h4 and h1?
Based on your numbers, you can calculate the steam flow (in m^3/s) and the total surface of the pipes.

For a pipe with diameter d and length l, you can calculate the surface of this pipe and the power - and find a constraint for the length (or diameter) based on the flow velocity and maximal temperature difference.

This just leaves the question how exactly you want to design the whole thing.
 

1. What is a condenser in a steam power plant?

A condenser is a device used to convert the steam from the turbine back into water, which can then be reused in the boiler. This process helps to increase the overall efficiency of the power plant.

2. What is the purpose of a condenser in a steam power plant?

The main purpose of a condenser is to create a vacuum by condensing the steam from the turbine. This vacuum allows the turbine to work more efficiently, resulting in increased power output and decreased fuel consumption.

3. How does a condenser work?

A condenser works by passing cold water through a series of tubes while the steam from the turbine is passed through the outside of the tubes. This causes the steam to condense back into water, which is then collected and reused in the boiler.

4. What are the key components of a condenser?

The key components of a condenser include a shell, tubes, waterboxes, a cooling water inlet and outlet, a steam inlet, and a condensate outlet. The shell contains the tubes and waterboxes, while the cooling water and steam flow through the tubes and waterboxes, respectively.

5. How can the efficiency of a condenser be improved?

The efficiency of a condenser can be improved by using a larger surface area for heat transfer and ensuring a good flow of cooling water through the tubes. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the condenser can help improve its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

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