Energy and Exergy Analysis for Three Type 500MW Steam Power Plants

Abstract

The paper shows the comparison of energy and exergy analysis of thermal power plants based on advanced steam parameters in China climatic conditions. The research contains coal-based thermal power plants using sub-critical, super-critical, and ultra-supercritical steam conditions. The design configurations of 500 MW unit size were considered. The research contains the effect of condenser pressure on plant and exergy efficiency. The effect of high grade coal on performance parameters as compared to typical China low grade coal was also studied. The major exergy loss took place in coal combustion followed by the steam generator. Due to condenser pressure limitation, the maximum possible overall energy efficiency was found to be about 44.4% with the ultra-supercritical power plant. Installing coal-based thermal power plants based on advanced steam parameters in China will be a prospective option aiding energy self-sufficiency.