Thermodynamic optimization of reheat regenerative thermal-power plants

Abstract

A first- and second-law procedure for the optimization of the reheat pressure level in reheat regeneration thermal-power plants is presented. The procedure is general in form and is applied for a thermal-power plant having two reheat pressure levels and two open-type feedwater heaters. The second-law efficiency of the steam generator, turbine cycle and plant are evaluated and optimized. The irreversibilities in the different components of the steam generator and turbine cycle sections are evaluated and discussed. Additional constraints such as the steam qualities at the exits of the different turbine stages are considered.