TABLE OF CONTENTS

 INTRODUCTION
 CALCULATIONS
 ADVANTANTAGES
 DISADVANTAGES
 DIAGRAMS
 PROPERTIES
 CONSIDERATION OF
R134a
 CONCLUSION
OBJECT:
To design a thermal powerplant for meeting the
energy demands of a city.

INTRODUCTION:
This report presents the design of a thermal power
plant to meet the energy demands of a city. The
objective is to achieve a thermal efficiency in the range
of 36% to 38% using a simple Rankine cycle. The
design takes into consideration the constraint that the
turbine cannot accept more than 6% at the end of
expansion due to its age.

RANKINE CYCLE DESIGN:

The Rankine cycle is a widely used thermodynamic
cycle for steam power generation. It consists of four
main components: a boiler, a turbine, a condenser, and
a pump. The cycle operates as follows:
The thermal cycle used for the power plant is the
simple Rankine cycle. The simple Rankine cycle is a
thermodynamic cycle that is used to generate
electricity from heat.
Its four processes are briefly described below:

1. Pumping - The working fluid is pumped from a

low-pressure to a high-pressure state.
2. Boiler - The working fluid is heated in the boiler,
causing it to vaporize.
3. Turbine - The working fluid expands in the
turbine, generating power.
4. Condenser - The working fluid is condensed in the
condenser, returning it to a liquid state.

• Pump Isentropic Efficiency (η_pump) = 86%

• Turbine Isentropic Efficiency (η_turbine) = 91%

NOTE: The isentropic efficiencies of pump and

turbine being used here are the average of the SSC &
HSC percentages of our group members.
CALCULATIONS:
ADVANTAGES AND
DISTADVANTAGES OF RANKINE
CYCLE:

Engineering Advantages:
 Well-established and reliable technology.
 Ability to utilize waste heat from other industrial
processes or renewable energy sources.
 Continuous power supply with steady operation.

Engineering Disadvantages:
 Limited thermal efficiency due to the temperature
range at which the cycle operates.
 High energy requirements for heating and cooling
water.
 Environmental concerns associated with water
usage and disposal of condensate.
 Significant size and complexity of the power plant.
Economic Advantages:
• Mature technology with readily available
components and expertise.
• Water, as the working fluid, is cost-effective and
easily accessible.
• Potential for utilizing existing infrastructure or
repurposing existing power plants.

Economic Disadvantages:
• High capital investment for construction and
maintenance.
• Operating costs associated with water treatment
and disposal.
• Fluctuating fuel prices and potential regulatory
changes affecting the power industry.
SCHEMATICS & T-S DIAGRAMS:
The TS diagram of the Rankine cycle is a powerful
tool for understanding the thermodynamic processes
and efficiency of heat engine
The schematics and T-S diagrams of rankine cycle are
attached below:

The processes of the rankine cycle and their

representations on TS diagram are:
Compression (Process 1-2)
Heat Addition (Process 2-3)
Expansion (Process 3-4)
Heat Rejection (Process4-1)
THERMODYNAMICS
PROPERTIES:
PROPERTY VALUE
Temperature T C

Pressure P kPa

Enthalphy H kJ/Kg

Entropy S kJ/kg.K

CONSIDERATIONS OF R-134a AS A
WORKING FLUID:

To determine whether using R134a instead of water as

the working fluid in a Rankine cycle is technically and
economically viable, we need to analyze the
thermodynamic properties and consider the associated
costs. Let's break down the analysis step by step.
1. Thermodynamic Analysis:
First, we need to compare the thermodynamic
properties of R134a and water to evaluate their
suitability as working fluids in a Rankine cycle.

For R134a:
- R134a is a refrigerant commonly used in air
conditioning and cooling applications.
- It has a relatively low boiling point (-26.3°C) and a
high critical temperature (101.1°C).
- R134a has a lower specific heat capacity compared to
water, which affects its ability to absorb and transfer
heat.

For water:
- Water has a higher boiling point (100°C) and a
critical temperature (374°C).
- It has a high specific heat capacity, making it an
excellent heat transfer medium.
- Water undergoes phase change (from liquid to vapor)
during the cycle, which enhances energy transfer.
Based on these properties, we can see that using water
as the working fluid offers advantages over R134a in
terms of its high heat transfer capability and the
possibility of phase change during the Rankine cycle.
Water can absorb more heat and produce higher
temperatures, resulting in better overall cycle
performance.

2. Economic Analysis:
Next, we need to consider the economic implications of
using R134a instead of water in a Rankine cycle.

For R134a:

- R134a is a readily available refrigerant commonly

used in various industries.
- Its cost per unit is generally higher compared to
water.
- R134a systems require specialized components, such
as compressors, heat exchangers, and condensers
specifically designed for refrigeration applications,
which can increase capital costs.
For water:
- Water is abundantly available and relatively
inexpensive in most locations.

Rankine cycles are more commonly used and readily

available at lower costs due to their widespread
application in power generation and industrial
processes.

- Water-based Rankine cycles generally have lower

capital costs compared to R134a systems, primarily
due to the simpler components required.

Considering the higher cost of R134a and the

specialized equipment needed, there is an economic
disadvantage to using R134a instead of water as the
working fluid in a Rankine cycle.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, while R134a may offer advantages in
certain specific applications systems, it is not
thermodynamically or economically viable to use it as
a working fluid in a Rankine cycle. Water, with its
superior heat transfer properties and lower costs,
remains the preferred choice for most Rankine cycle
applications.