Designing of a steam power plant

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design considerations for a steam power plant, specifically focusing on the environmental impact of discharging heated water back into a river. Participants explore the thermal dynamics involved in the system, including temperature ranges and efficiency calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a scenario for a one million kW electric power plant using steam, emphasizing the need to assess the environmental impact of the discharge temperature into the river.
  • Another participant questions the range of temperatures for the heated water upon re-entering the river, suggesting a possible range of 35°C.
  • A participant outlines initial assumptions for calculations, including Carnot efficiency and the river's entering temperature, and proposes equations to analyze the heat transfer and temperature changes in the river water.
  • One participant provides a specific temperature range for the heated water, stating it is between 32°C and 38°C, and expresses intent to complete their analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the acceptable temperature range for the river water discharge, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist regarding the thermal impact on the environment. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different aspects of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have made several assumptions regarding efficiency and temperature conditions, but there are unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on specific definitions, such as the entering temperature of the river water.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineering students, environmental scientists, and professionals involved in power plant design and environmental impact assessments.

wantedstudent
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

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
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
16K