ES 211 : Thermodynamics Thermal Efficiency and Steam Quality Enhancement in Rankine Cycles

Thermal Efficiency and Steam Quality

Enhancement in Rankine Cycles

Archit Dhakar (22110031), Debojit Das (22110067), Shrishti Mishra (22110246)

Tripti Sanjeev Vishwakarma (22110275),Viraj N. Vekaria (22110287)

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN)

Palaj, Gandhinagar - 382055, Gujarat, India

Abstract: This report presents an enhancement study of a basic ideal Rankine cycle utilized in a
power generation facility. Despite the current cycle’s operation at a thermal efficiency of 41% and steam
quality of 76% at the condenser inlet, our objective is to propose modifications that will surpass these
benchmarks. Specifically, we aim to elevate the thermal efficiency beyond 46% while also increasing
the steam quality to above 85%. These improvements are constrained by the operational limits of
the boiler and condenser pressures at 15 MPa and 10 kPa, respectively, and a maximum turbine
temperature of 500°C. The implications of these modifications on the thermal efficiency and net power
output of the Rankine cycle are quantified and analyzed, ensuring adherence to industry standards
and sustainable engineering practices.

Index Terms: Rankine cycle, thermal efficiency, steam quality, power plant optimization, thermody-
namic analysis.

1. Introduction
The Rankine cycle is the fundamental operating cycle of thermal power plants around the globe,
revered for its relative simplicity and efficiency. However, with the increasing demand for sus-
tainable energy production and the need for more efficient use of resources, there is a pressing
need to optimize these cycles. This report delves into the analytical enhancement of an ideal
Rankine cycle within the operational constraints of a given power plant. By adjusting the boiler
and condenser pressures and analyzing the resultant thermodynamic changes, we propose a
set of modifications designed to significantly improve the cycle’s performance. The report also
examines the broader implications of these enhancements for the power generation industry,
setting the stage for a discussion on sustainable engineering solutions.

2. Problem Statement
The prevailing issue confronting the current power plant operations is the suboptimal performance
characterized by a thermal efficiency of only 41% and a steam quality at the condenser inlet of
76%. These figures reflect a considerable margin for improvement, especially in an industry that
is under constant pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while increasing power
output. The challenge lies in optimizing the cycle within the established parameters: a boiler
pressure not exceeding 15 MPa, a condenser pressure above 10 kPa, and a turbine temperature
threshold of 500°C. The report aims to articulate the thermodynamic feasibility of enhancing the
cycle’s efficiency and steam quality, and to demonstrate the potential benefits through a rigorous

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ES 211 : Thermodynamics Thermal Efficiency and Steam Quality Enhancement in Rankine Cycles

engineering analysis. This analysis will serve as a cornerstone for developing practical solutions
that align with the industry’s continuous pursuit of efficiency and sustainability.

3. Energy Analysis of the components

During a steady-flow process, the total energy content of a control volume remains constant.

˙ = dEsystem
E˙in − Eout
dt
˙ ˙
Ein − Eout = 0
E˙in = Eout
˙

The general energy balance for a general steady-flow system can be written as:
X V2 X V2
Q˙in + W˙in + [ṁ(h + ˙ + W˙out +
+ gz)] = Qout [ṁ(h + + gz)]
in
2 out
2

where, Q˙in denotes the heat entering the system

˙ denotes the heat leaving the system
Qout
˙
Win denotes the work done on the system
W˙out denotes the work done by the system
ṁ is the mass flow rate of steam
V denotes the velocity of steam
g is the acceleration due to gravity
z is the elevation of the system
h denotes the specific enthalpy at inlet or outlet of the system

Assumptions:
• All processes are steady state, steady flow processes.
• Changes in kinetic and potential energy are very small relative to the work and heat transfer
terms and can be neglected.
• All the pumps and turbines involved in the cycle are adiabatic.
So, the steady-flow energy equation per unit mass of steam reduces to:
(qin − qout ) + (win − wout ) = he − hi
where, qin denotes the heat entering the system per unit mass of steam
qout denotes the heat leaving the system per unit mass of steam
win denotes the work done on the system per unit mass of steam
wout denotes the work done by the system per unit mass of steam
he is the specific enthalpy at the exit
hi is the specific enthalpy at the inlet

Energy balance for the boiler (wboiler = 0):

qin,boiler = h1 − h2

Energy balance for the high pressure turbine (qturbine = 0):

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ES 211 : Thermodynamics Thermal Efficiency and Steam Quality Enhancement in Rankine Cycles

−wout,HP T = h2 − h1
wout,HP T = h1 − h2

Energy balance for the Reheater (wreheater = 0):

qin,reheater = h3 − h2

Energy balance for the low pressure turbine (qturbine = 0):

Here, y1 and y2 denote the fraction of steam going into open feedwater heater 1 and 2, respectively.

−wout,LP T = (1 − y1 − y2 )h6 − y1 h5 − y2 h4
wout,LP T = h6 − (h6 + h5 )y1 − (h6 + h4 )y2

Energy balance for Open Feedwater Heater-2:

y2 h4 + (1 − y2 )h10 = h11
h11 − h10
y2 =
h4 − h10

Energy balance for Open Feedwater Heater-1:

(1 − y2 )h9 − [h5 y1 + (1 − y1 − y2 )h8 ] = 0

(h8 − h9 )y2 − (h9 − h8 )
y1 =
h8 − h5

Energy balance for Pump-1 (qpump = 0):

(1 − y1 − y2 )h6 + win,pump1 = (1 − y1 − y2 )h7

win,pump1 = (1 − y1 − y2 )(h7 − h6 )

Energy balance for Pump-2 (qpump = 0):

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