UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY, MARDAN

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Complex Engineering Problem
Subject: ME203 Thermodynamics-I Instructor: Engr. Abdul Samad
Duration: 2 Weeks Deadline: 14 Dec 2023
CLO/PLO Targeted: [CLO-2, PLO-1, C-3]

Introduction:
A steam turbine is a machine that extracts thermal energy from pressurized steam and uses it to do
mechanical work on an output shaft. Because the turbine generates rotary motion, it can be coupled to a
generator to harness its motion into electricity. Such turbo-generators are the core of thermal power plants
which can be fueled by fossil-fuels, nuclear fuels, geothermal, or solar energy.
Problem Description:
A certain amount of power output is usually required by steam turbine which can be obtained by adjusting
its inlet and outlet conditions.
Due to frequent load shedding, a sugar mill has decided to become independent from WAPDA and build
its own power generation system (captive power plant) using a steam turbine. The industry has hired you
in the month of August 2026 as a Thermal Engr. and you are given duty to produce 5000 kW output from
the steam turbine. Superheated steam should be fed to the turbine by the boiler which can operate in the
range of 0.01-5 MPa. The turbine is designed in such a way that steam exits the turbine in form of saturated
vapors at 390.3 𝑚3 /sec. and 20 kg/sec. The rate of heat loss through the turbine casing is 5628 kW. Assume
100 % efficiency of generator connected with steam turbine.

Apply your knowledge of Energy and Mass Analysis of Control Volume to:
i. Determine three different conditions of pressure and temperature at inlet i.e.
(𝑃1 , 𝑇1 ) 1 , (𝑃1 , 𝑇1 ) 2 , (𝑃1 , 𝑇1 ) 3 to produce 5000 kW.
ii. Determine the effect of inlet pressure on power output and plot Pressure vs. Work graph.
iii. Determine the effect of inlet temperature on power output and plot Temp vs. Work graph.
iv. Determine the effect of mass flow rate of steam on power output and plot 𝑚̇ vs. Work graph.
v. How to experimentally measure volume and mass flow rates, quality of steam and heat loss through
turbine casing.
vi. Do the same problem on EES.

Learning Objectives:
1. Student will be able to generate the required power output from steam power plant.
 2. Students will analyze the effect of input conditions on power output.
Evaluation: Students are required to determine steam input conditions to harness the certain power output
from steam power plant. Based upon the calculation, students will analyze the effect of input conditions on
power output.

S# Attribute Present in Justification

the
Problem

1. Preamble Yes The above stated complex engineering problem requires

various basic concepts of thermodynamics.

2. Range of conflicting Yes In the problem, different input conditions can be suggested
requirements: by students.

3. Depth of Analysis Yes

required: The solution requires in-depth thermodynamic analysis.

4. Depth of Yes
knowledge The problem requires in-depth engineering knowledge about
required: steam turbines.

5. Familiarity of Yes This project presents significant challenges beyond what

issues: students have experienced earlier.

6. Extent of applicable No The problem doesn’t violate the standards and codes of
codes: practice for professional Engineers.

7. Extent of Yes
stakeholder Both consumers and utility companies will be interested in
Involved: required power generation from steam power plant.

8. Consequences: Yes An engr. will be sure to get the required output from his
steam power plant.

9. Interdependence: Yes
The project includes selection of different sub components.