Thermodynamics: Rankine Reheater Steam Power Plant problems summarized.

At state 1, Wpump, in = v1*(p2-p1)/np –all values are read from saturated steam tables. NB: (only use np
if the pump’s efficiency is given). Otherwise, Wpump, in = v1*(p2-p1)

At state 2, s2=s1 (isentropic process), h2 = h1+ Wpump, in (because some amount of heat was added due
to increase of pressure on the liquid by the pump). Note, h1=hf at p1 pressure in saturated tables.

At state 3, pressure is given, i.e. pump pressure remains constant but temperature is increased as the
liquid is introduced to the boiler. As a result, we can easily read enthalpy and entropy values from SHT
using the given pressure and temperature leaving the boiler.

Note well:
When given the net power output, turbine and pump efficiencies of a Rankine Steam Power Plant,
techniques are applied by using isentropic values of entropy between states. This is necessary so that
additional formulas can be used to find the actual enthalpies and other unknowns at various states.

At state 4, to find the actual enthalpy value we have to use the output pressure of the high pressure
turbine (p4) and let entropy at state 4s = entropy at state 3 (isentropic). With this information we can
interpolate to find the isentropic enthalpy (h4s) using s and h at p4 –NB: this is not actual enthalpy but
it’s necessary to apply the formula that follows.

Code => nth = ((h3-h4)/(h3-h4s)) from this formula we simply transpose to find h4  h4==h3-((

nt)*(h3-h4s)) where nt is the efficiency of the turbine. If pump and turbine efficiencies are not given the
process are much more straight forward.

At state 5, because both pressure and temperature (due to reheating) are given, we read h5 and s5 from
the SHT.

At state 6, we know we have saturated mixture therefore it behooves us to find our x which represents
the quality of steam in the saturated mixture. The following formula applies:
Let s6s = s5 (isentropic process, i.e. entropy is constant); x6s = ((s5-sf)/(sfg)) here again we see this is our
isentropic entropy value, not the actual value. However, armed with this data, we can find the h6s
(isentropic value) h6s = hf+x6s*(hfg) –remember all steam table values at state 6 is read from saturated
and not superheated tables. Finally, h6actual value = h5-nt *(h5-h6s)
Answers:

W turbine, out = (h3-h4) + (h5-h6)

Q in = (h3-h2) + (h5-h4) (Heat in from boiler)
Wnet = WTurbine, out - Wpump, in
nth = Wnet / Qin (Thermal efficiency)

mflow rate = (Net Power Output)/(Work net) where power output is given as Btu/s or KJ/s
Q out, flow rate = Mass flow rate*(h6-h1) –since energy is lost through the compressor.
Q in, flow rate = (h3-h2) + (h5-h4) (Heat in flow rate)
nth = 1- ((Q out, flow rate) / (Q in, flow rate))

Further troubles:

If asked to find pressure where reheating takes place i.e. p4, we need to interpolate between pressure
states to find the one we want. Let s4 =s3 therefore using that entropy search the SHT until you find the
close fit i.e. at p1, s1=a; at p2, s2=b, but we have sab (a value that lies between s1=a and s2=b). Now
interpolate to find p4, using pressure as y and entropy as x or visa-versa.

To find enthalpy given only s4=s3, interpolate using s and h.

Furthermore, if we are asked to find pressure where reheating takes place and are further told the
temperature entering both turbines are constant, the first attempt is to apply the above. If however no
such entropy values exist to accommodate interpolation at those conditions (temperature that is..) then
we need another approach.

Take note, if we are told the moisture content is not to exceed a certain value, then we know our
steam quality, x must be taken as 100-value; i.e. if the moisture content is given as 15% then our
steam quality, x is 85% or (0.85).

~ A. Yearwood (mec2202).