Performance analyses of coal-fired thermal power plant using parabolic solar collectors for feed water heaters

Abstract

ABSTRACT Parabolic solar collectors have been used for feed water heating process instead of extractions from steam turbines to enhance the power output and heat rate for a coal-fired thermal power plant. In this analytical work, entropy-exergy concepts have been applied on steam turbines and solar collectors at 60, 80 and 100% plant loads, and found different performance parameters with percentage variations in that parameters. After analyses, it has been found that maximum flow rate achieved for intermediate-pressure steam turbine with maximum outputs but maximum rates of exergy destruction and entropy generation at 100% load. Maximum percentage increments in total and net powers but minimum decrement in heat rate attained at 100% load which prove that plant must be operated at full load without extraction from turbine. Comparative analyses have also been shown maximum heat gain rate, inlet and exergy gain rates from the solar collectors found at 100% but minimum found at 60% load.