Designing of a steam power plant

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the design of a one million kW electric power plant utilizing steam as the working fluid, with a maximum steam temperature of 550°C. Key considerations include the cooling of condensers with river water, which has a mean speed of 10 m/min and dimensions of 8m depth and 60m width. The participants emphasize the importance of determining the temperature range of the heated water before it is discharged back into the river, with a proposed range of 32°C to 38°C. The discussion also highlights the need to calculate the Carnot efficiency and the mechanical efficiency of steam-generated electric plants.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Carnot efficiency in thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of heat transfer principles and specific heat capacity
  • Familiarity with steam turbine operation and exit conditions
  • Basic concepts of environmental impact assessments for thermal discharges
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Carnot efficiency calculations for steam power cycles
  • Investigate the mechanical efficiency of steam-generated electric plants
  • Explore methods for calculating temperature rise in water bodies due to thermal discharges
  • Examine environmental regulations regarding thermal pollution in aquatic ecosystems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, environmental consultants, and students involved in power plant design, thermal engineering, and environmental impact assessments will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement



electric power = one million kW
working fluid = steam
maximum steam temperature = 550°C
river mean speed = 10m/min
river,8m deep,60 meter wide


Homework Equations




It is proposed to build a one million kW electric power plant with steam as the working fluid. The condensers are to be cooled with river water (see figure below). The maximum steam temperature will be 550°C. As an engineering consultant, you are to convince the authorities that the discharge to the river will not be harmful to the environment.



The Attempt at a Solution


this question may have several answer
 

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Well what is the range of temperatures can the heated water enter the river again at? (35C? Also what the exit condition of the steam turbine? Vacuum/Back pressure? If so you will need that pressure condition.
 
Initial assumptions:
1. Carnot efficiency
2. River entering temperature Tin

Then:
1st equation: 1st law expressed in time-derivative form
2nd equation: 2nd law expressed in time-derivative form
Third equation: temperature buildup of river water as function of dm/dt, c and dQ2/dt where dQ2/dt is rate of expelled heat into river, dm/dt = rate of water mass flow, c = water specific heat, J/C-kg.

So: 3 knowns: dW/dt = 1 MW, T1 = 550C, Tin
3 unknowns: dQ1/dt, dQ2/dt, ΔT
where dQ1/dt = heat rate into system and ΔT = Tout - Tin = temperature rise of river water.

Assume T2, the effective lower temperature in the Carnot cycle, is halfway between Tin and Tout, i.e. T2 = (Tin + Tout)/2.

Finally, you must do some research to find what the typical steam-generated electric plant mechanical efficiency is beyond the Carnot efficiency.
 
the the range of temperatures is 6c that is between 32-38c
thanks guys...i will try to finish it up.
 

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