Western Mindanao State University

Language Development Resource Center

Baliwasan, Normal Rd, Zamboanga City
________________________________________________________________

Effectivity of Rankine-Reheat Cycle for

Improved Efficiency in Power Generation

In submission of Strategic Initiative Proposal for English Proficiency for

International Competitiveness 4

Authors:
Aming, Michaer S.
Bason, Leslie Jane T.
Bucoy, Joshua Adam F.
Escandar, Rauf K.
Iraham, Alwyn B.
Magbanua, RJ Neilvert M.

BS Mechanical Engineering 2
MTh 4:00-5:30

March 21, 2024

 I. Title and Overview

A thermodynamics model known as the Reheat Rankine Cycle is a modified version of

the original Rankine cycle. In order to maximize the energy extracted from the high-pressure
steam and increase efficiency by minimizing heat loss during condensation, it integrates an
extra reheat process. Reheating has the objective of retaining the steam from expanding with
excess moisture in the final phase of a turbine's expansion. Excessive moisture causes the
turbine blades to deteriorate. Among other measures, applying the reheat cycle and regenerative
cycle, increasing the boiler pressure, and decreasing the condenser pressure are all capable of
enhancing the efficiency of steam turbines. It can be enhanced by increasing the
thermodynamic properties of the steam entering the turbine.

The parameters for specific power-output, thermal efficiency, exergy destruction in the
combined cycle components, second-law efficiency of the gas-turbine cycle's individual
processes, and second-law efficiency of the steam power cycle were all expressed in
statements. An increase in pressure causes an increase in the expansion ratio in the early stages.
However, wet steam is seen almost at the end of expansion as things move along gradually.
The higher moisture content of the steam is the cause of this observation. This finding is due
to of the steam's higher moisture content. This is not beneficial because it causes the turbine
blades to wear out and eventually lose their effectiveness, which lowers the efficiency of both
the blade and the nozzle. Reheating cycles are beneficial in resolving these issues. This paper
provides a brief overview of evaluation and testing, basic reheating cycle principles, and a
comparison of the ideal and practical cycles' thermal efficiency and steam flow.
 II. Background and Context
The introduction of combined cycle power plants represented an advance in the search
for higher thermal efficiency than conventional power plants. This has led to the development
of gas turbines for combined cycle applications, which have attracted great interest in recent
years due to their relatively low acquisition costs and short construction times awakenes. The
optimal system for a particular power generation task may include alternative cycle
configurations such as; injecting steam into the gas turbine's combustor, turbine reheat, and
compressor intercooling. Khaliq, A.,& Kaushik, S. (2004)

Sieppel and Bereuter [1] delivered an overview of the gas/steam turbine plant's early
development. The fundamental thermodynamic analysis for a reasonable Brown Boveri 125
MW combined gas–steam turbine power plant has been finished by Czermak and Wunsch [2].
Wunsch [3] stated that the gas-turbine parameters, such as the maximum temperature and
pressure ratio, had a more significant effect on the combined gas-steam plant efficiencies than
did the steam cycle parameters. Furthermore, he reported that the best combined-cycle
efficiency was reached when the gas-turbine exhaust temperature exceeded the maximum gas-
turbine efficiency. Horlock [4] characterized more recent advancements and potential uses for
combined-cycle power plants based on thermodynamic considerations. Wu [5] discusses how
to get a sensitivity analysis for the combined cycle by using intelligent computer software.
Without using reheat, Cerri [6] examined the combined gas–steam plant from a thermodynamic
context. He determined the variables that have the greatest impact on efficiency in his analysis
and added that, when designed effectively, combined cycles perform well; nevertheless, using
the highest gas-turbine temperatures necessitates the use of costly fuel. Pavuluri, S., Rajneesh,
N. S., Kumar, C. A., & Bhaskar, S. U. (2021) Reheat has been used thoroughly in aviation
engines. It is a technique that has only lately gained sufficient popularity to be taken seriously
as a viable option for power augmentation in industrial gas turbines. The benefit of utilizing
reheat is that, for a given power and fixed overall pressure ratio, the TET of the turbine, which
equates to the reheat cycle's main combustor and reheater, is lower than that of a simple cycle.
As a result, according to by Cunha et al. [7], the expenses associated with using pricey
superalloys to withstand high temperatures could be reduced. Because more fuel is injected at
a lower pressure and produces less power than if all of the fuel were injected in the main
combustor, there is a reduction in efficiency. The additional energy in the exhaust gas is not
truly lost in combined-cycle applications, and it might even enhance the combined-cycle
characteristics. A gas turbine with multiple stages of reheat for use in aviation has been studied
by Andriani et al. [8]. Reheat is a good substitute for combined-cycle applications, according
to Polyzakis [9], who conducted a first-law analysis of the use of industrial gas turbines in
combined cycles. Khaliq, A., & Kaushik, S. (2004)

The current study's of authors discovered that even though there was a sufficient
research on combined power-cycle with reheat cycle, there was no systematic focusing of
second-law analysis of these cycles. The purpose of this paper is to form a assist organized and
refined second-law based thermodynamic approach utilizing the rankine-reheat cycle strategy
for the analysis of combined gas and steam power plants.
 III. Procedure/Process/Product (schematic and T/S diagram)

The reheat cycle is a key topic in thermodynamics, or to put it simply, it's a topic that
involves thermodynamics. Reheat cycles, also known as Carnot cycles, tend to be reversible.
One kind of Rankine cycle is the Rankine cycle with reheat/reheating cycle, which occurs in
steam power plants and is used to convert energy, particularly heat energy, into power or work.

At present, steam power plants produce the majority of the electricity generated
globally. Other power generation methods, such as hydropower, gas power, biogas power, solar
cells, etc., are also used to produce electricity. A recently built method for producing electricity
is the Magneto hydrodynamic power plant.

The steam cycles used in power plants are the subject of this paper. The Rankine cycle
has been the subject of thermodynamic analysis in an effort to improve steam power plants'
dependability and effectiveness. Thermodynamic deviations that lead to non-ideal or
irreversible operation of different components of steam power plants have been identified.
Regeneration was added to the Rankine cycle as a result of an analysis and comparison of the
efficiency of the Carnot and Rankine cycles. The Rankine cycle's efficiency-affecting factors
have been found and examined in order to improve the operation of thermal power plants. (R.
K. Kapooria, S. Kumar, and K. S. Kasana, 2008)
Boiler

The reason water tube boilers are named that way is because they have water-filled
tubes that let water flow through a firebox that is heated. The boiler feedwater that enters these
barrels is treated with chemicals in an effort to stop corrosion and fouling. Through the
utilization of a direct-fired heater powered by natural gas, oil, or burner combination. The water
tubes obtain the heat from the burner. As liquid as it passes through the tubes, heating the water
and creating steam from the combustion gasses. Boilers-Pearson PDF4PRO. (2019, November
21). PDF4PRO.

Turbine

Turbine, any of various devices that convert the energy in a stream of fluid into
mechanical energy. The conversion is generally accomplished by passing the fluid through a
system of stationary passages or vanes that alternate with passages consisting of finlike blades
attached to a rotor. By arranging the flow so that a tangential force, or torque, is exerted on the
rotor blades, the rotor turns, and work is extracted. Budenholzer, Roland A. and Landis, Fred.
"turbine". Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Jan. 2024.

Generator

Electricity, magnetism, and motion are the three concepts that make up the generator
idea. machinery whose purpose is to transform mechanical energy from an outside source into
electrical energy. Using an electrical connection to force electrons from the turbine source
through, generators distribute and use motion energy to produce electrical energy. In order to
compel the electric charges contained in its windings wire to move via an external electric
circuit, it uses the mechanical energy given to it. Essentially, a generator is a reverse-running
electrical motor. In order for the pump to function properly, it is also powered by the generator
continuously. These generators keep the power plants operating smoothly throughout regular
operations and serve as a backup power source in the event of an outage. They serve in ensuring
the workers safety at power plants. Paden/Central States Diesel Generator, P. (n.d.).

Condenser

A condenser is a sizable heat exchanger used to lower turbine exhaust steam's boiling
point so that it can be recycled as water and returned to the heat source. The water is sent back
into the steam generator in a pressurized water reactor. It goes back to the reactor core in a
boiling-water reactor. The condenser exhausts the heat it has taken from the steam into a
circulating water system, which then releases it into the surrounding air through a cooling tower
or straight into a body of water. Condenser. (n.d.). NRC Web.

The vapor will eventually phase shift into liquid during condensing, leaving only 100%
liquid behind. Considering the heat that is eliminated is latent heat rather than sensible heat,
this phase change, or change of state, is an illustration of a latent heat rejection process. Despite
the removal of heat, this phase transition will occur at a single temperature. The saturation
temperature at this particular temperature is the same as the condenser's saturation pressure.
Tomczyk, J. (2022, May 2). The importance of a clean condenser. 2022-05-04 | ACHR News.

Pump

Liquid water is supplied to the boiler by the pump. Water is turned into superheated
steam in a boiler that is heated by solar radiation. The generator is powered by the turbine that
runs on this steam. Steam exits the turbine and cools in the condenser to a liquid condition.
After that, the pump pressurizes the liquid, which returns it to the boiler. And so the cycle goes
on. 7.6. Rankine cycle. (n.d.). Dutton Institute.
Reheater

Reheater is a part of the boiler which to reheat steam output from the first level of the
steam turbine. Reheated steam will again absorb the heat energy from the boiler to be used in
the next level steam turbine. Reheater is one way to improve the thermal efficiency of the
Rankine Cycle. Ashwin Palo (2019).
 IV. Assessment and Tests:

Reheating has the purpose of keeping the steam from expanding with excess moisture
in the final phase of a turbine's expansion. Applying the reheat cycle, increasing the boiler
pressure, and decreasing the condenser pressure can all improve the efficiency of steam
turbines. Consider how the Rankine Cycle is illustrated in Figure 1. Although this cycle seems
compelling at first glance—its 27.55% thermal efficiency is quite good—it has two issues when
considered as an efficient tool. First, the pressure ratio (roughly 4100) assumed across the
turbine is excessively high. Secondly, the steam at S3 is over 27.65% wet, which could
potentially harm the real turbine.

Figure 1: An ideal Rankine Cycle Figure 1: Temperature Vs Entropy Diagram

But, considering the combination of Rankine and Reheat cycle, Figure 2. Wherein the reheater
was added, the researchers concluded that based on calculations, the thermal efficiency
(32.06%) was higher compared to when it was without the reheater. Since, the pressure was
made higher, it was evident that the objective of making the thermal efficiency higher was
obtained.

Figure 2: The Rankine-Reheat cycle Figure 2: Temperature Vs Entropy

V. Risk Management Plan
• The cost of electricity is directly related to the cost of fuel. As the cost of fuel increases,
the cost of electricity increases also and at the same time the economics continue to
shift towards the more efficient power plant systems.
• Reheat stages have the potential to step up the start-up capital expenses of the power
plant because they need additional equipment and infrastructure. To ascertain whether
implementing a Rankine-Reheat cycle is financially operational over a long period of
time, carry out a detailed cost-benefits analysis. Examine economical design solutions
and consider lon-run fuel and operational efficiency savings for the plant.
• Maintenance Needs in Rankine Reheat Cycle in Rankine Reheat Cyle, maintenance
needs can increase due to several factors such as turbine maintenance, boiler
maintenance, these may require more visit support to secure the equipment
maintenance. Executive proactive support plans and consistently condition checking
methods to spot potential issues before they get worsen and damaged the whole system.
Contribute in strong, high-quality components and guarantee that support work force if
hundred percent compatible to optimize framework lifespan and fixed quality
• Inspite the fact that Rankine-Reheat cycles are capable of decreasing the fuel
consumption and increase thermal efficiency, it also has the ability to emit emissions
(Carbon footprint) and have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere around them.
Diminish the negative environmental impact of the power plant by utilizing emission
control technologies such as desulfurization of fuel gases unit as well as catalytic
reduction systems. Look into consideration of utilizing biomass or renewable energy
sources as an additional energy resource to minimize greenhouse gas exhalation to a
greater extent.

VI. Recommendations/ Further Implications

• Based on reliability, investment costs, emissions and cost of electricity a coalfired steam
power plant will continue to be a good investment for power plant owners especially
compared to other options such as Integrated gasification combine cycle (IGCC) for
coal powered electric power production.
 • The thermal efficiencies of today’s steam power plants with supercritical steam cycles
are higher than today’s IGCC plants. For power plants of the future, studies show that
coal fired steam plants with ultra-supercritical steam cycles will maintain this efficiency
advantage over future IGCC plants with advanced gas turbines.
• Advancements of Hybrid Power Plants: Enhances the consistency of the electricity
delivered and lessens the unpredictable nature of renewable energy.
• There is direct correlation of CO2 emissions and plant thermal efficiency. For example,
the ultra-supercritical Pulverized coal (PC) case is about 18% more efficient than
conventional subcritical PC case and it also emits about 18% less CO2 per kWh of net
output.

VII. References and Task Distributions

References:

Kaushik, Subhash Chandra Pages 179-197. “Second-law based thermodynamic analysis of

Brayton/Rankine combined power cycle with reheat.”

N. Srinivasa Rajneesh; Ch. Ashok Kumar; S. Udaya Bhaskar (2021). “Effect of reheating cycle
on efficiency of Rankine cycle and its practical significance.” Research, pp: 36–44

Safeen Yaseen Jafar (2020). Thermodynamics. The reheat cycle.

Swapan Basu, Ajay Kumar Debnath (2019), in Power Plant Instrumentation and Control
Handbook (Second Edition)

Subramanyam Pavuluri; N. Srinivasa Rajneesh; S. Udaya Bhaskar (2023). “Impact of the

reheating cycle on the Rankine cycle efficiency and important in thermal applications.”

Valenica Ochoa, Garcia Sierra, Diaz Manotas D. “Energy and Exegetic Analysis of
Regenerative Rankine cycle with feed water heaters” International Journal of Chem
Tech Research (2017):36 –44
Task Distribution:

Aming, Michaer

1. Compiled data of Boilers works, process, and product.

2. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
3. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.
4. Gave some recommendations for further research.

Bason, Leslie Jane T:

1. Compiled data of how reheater works, process, and product.

2. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
3. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.
4. Gave some recommendations for further research.

Bucoy Joshua Adam F.

1. Drafted the introduction and title overview

2. Compiled data of how Turbine works, its process, and product.
3. Reviewed and edited the final draft for clarity and coherence
4. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
5. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.

Escandar, Rauf:

1. Compiled data of how Generator works, its process, and product.

2. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
3. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.
4. Gave some recommendations for further research.

Iraham, Alwyn:

1. Compiled data of how Condenser works, its process, and product.

2. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
 3. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.
4. Gave some recommendations for further research.

Magbanua, RJ Nielvert:

1. Compiled data of how Pump works, its process, and product.

2. Provide inputs in the assessment and test.
3. Designed the parts of Rankine-reheat cycle.
4. Addressed problems on the efficiencies of Rankine-reheat cycle and gave solution to
the problem.