An analysis of a thermal power plant working on a Rankine cycle: A theoretical investigation

Abstract

Today, most of the electricity produced throughout the world is from steam power plants. However, electricity is being produced by some other power generation sources such as hydropower, gas power, bio-gas power, solar cells, etc. One newly devel-oped method of electricity generation is the Magneto hydro dynamic power plant. This paper deals with steam cycles used in power plants. Thermodynamic analysis of the Rankine cycle has been undertaken to enhance the efficiency and reli-ability of steam power plants. The thermodynamic deviations resulting in non-ideal or irreversible func-tioning of various steam power plant components have been identified. A comparative study between the Carnot cycle and Rankine cycle efficiency has been analyzed resulting in the introduction of regen-eration in the Rankine cycle. Factors affecting effi-ciency of the Rankine cycle have been identified and analyzed for improved working of thermal power plants.