Investigation of the thermodynamic performance of an existing steam power plant via energy and exergy analyses to restrain the environmental repercussions: A simulation study

Abstract

Exergy analysis is an important tool to identify the improvements in various industrial processes. In this study, the existing steam power plant is examined based on energy and exergy analyses. The steam network in the power plant is comprised of two sections, one of them is used for paddy drying, while other portion is used to operate the turbine for in-house electricity production. Mass, energy, and exergy balances are applied to individual equipment of the plant. The power plant is modeled and simulated using Aspen HYSYS® V10. The calculated thermodynamic values are used for in-depth analysis of the power plant. Case-studies are included in this study to show the effect of various operational parameters on the process efficiency. The analysis shows that the boiler is the major source of exergy destruction, because of the incomplete combustion process, and inappropriate insulations. The remedial actions are also suggested in the study.