Pressure across multiple closed feedwater heaters

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the pressure dynamics within a Rankine cycle power plant, specifically analyzing the pressure behavior across multiple closed feedwater heaters (FWHs) using Engineering Equation Solver (EES). The participant, Owen, notes that while the first pump should maintain a consistent pressure through the first four closed FWHs, EES indicates an increase in pressure after each heater, influenced by steam extraction pressures from turbines. This observation contradicts standard thermodynamic principles that state closed FWHs maintain constant pressure, prompting a deeper inquiry into the underlying mechanisms affecting pressure changes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Rankine cycle thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with Engineering Equation Solver (EES)
  • Knowledge of steam extraction processes in power plants
  • Basic principles of fluid mechanics and pressure dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the thermodynamic principles governing closed feedwater heaters
  • Learn about the effects of steam extraction pressure on closed systems
  • Explore the relationship between temperature and pressure in saturated conditions
  • Review fluid dynamics concepts related to pressure loss in piping systems
USEFUL FOR

Power plant engineers, thermodynamics students, and professionals involved in the design and optimization of Rankine cycle systems will benefit from this discussion.

unknownowen
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Doing a T-s and P-v diagram from a real power plant Rankine cycle.

The cycle, after the condenser, goes through one pump, and then in series:

gland steam condenser
4 closed feedwater heaters
1 open feedwater heater
another pump
2 closed feedwater heater
boiler

Temperature and enthalpy values are given on the cycle diagram. Pump pressures were not given, and can't be found in the documentation.

I'm doing this in EES.

My understanding is that the feedwater line going through the GSC, first 4 closed FWH and into the open FWH should all have the same pressure from the first pump (with some head loss maybe), and then it is pumped to a higher pressure for the last two FWHs.

But when I do a thermodynamic property call on the pressure at each state, it shows that the pressure is increasing.
As an example
after 1st closed feedwater heater
Given values are 163.7 F, 132.7 btu/lb
EES tells me the pressure is 5.178 psi (reasonable as the condenser exit is 1.25 psi)

after 2nd closed feedwater heater
Given 198.6 F, 167.7 btu/lb
EES: 11.2 psi

after 3rd closed feedwater heater
Given 257 F, 226.5 btu/lb
EES: 33.65 psi

and so on. I do notice that it's closely related to the pressure of the steam extraction from the turbines.
After passing through the 1st FWH, heated with steam extracted at 5.88 psi, it's 5.2 psi
After passing through the 2nd FWH, steam extracted at 12.56 psi, it's 11.2 psi
after 3rd FWH, with steam at 37.2 psi, it's 33.7 psi

so the steam extraction pressure seems to have an effect on the closed FWH exit pressure. This makes sense to me for an OPEN FWH but not for a closed one? So what's going on here? How is the pressure being raised? I checked into my thermo textbooks and they say that a closed FWH stays at the same pressure for the feedwater.

Thanks,
Owen
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Pumps raise pressure in a line, or a change in elevation. Pressure will drop a long a circuit due to shear forces (friction) with the piping.

Sometimes one many need to determine pressure from the thermodynamic values, e.g., saturated condition (there is a relationship between temperature and pressure), subcooled or superheat - in the case of water/steam.

In a closed fluid circuit, it helps to think of a pump like a battery (or voltage), which increases pressure (analogous to electric potential or emf) and piping and vessels as resistance and resistors.
 

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