Title: Evaluation of a process simulator for modelling and analysis of Rankine cycle steam power plants

Authors: Naomi R. Brammer, Mir-Akbar Hessami

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia

Abstract: Applicability of the HYSYS process simulation package to thermodynamic modelling and analysis of Rankine cycle steam power plants, using first and second law analyses, has been evaluated. Theoretical Rankine cycles, and more realistic cycles based on power plants modelled in other studies, were simulated. Energy, exergy and efficiency values determined from the simulations were compared to those obtained from theory or reported in literature. Discrepancies of <1% were observed for theoretical cycles, while more realistic cycles were modelled to within 8% of reported values. Results suggest HYSYS is appropriate for use in thermodynamic assessments of steam power plant performance.

Keywords: exergy analysis; energy analysis; efficiency; thermodynamics; steam power plants; Rankine cycle; modelling; process simulation; performance evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2008.016674

International Journal of Exergy, 2008 Vol.5 No.2, pp.177 - 192

Published online: 12 Jan 2008 *

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