Progress in theoretical study on constructal optimization of marine steam power plants

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">Theoretical research of the constructal optimization of marine steam power plants is introduced in this study from two aspects: ship steam power plants and ocean thermal energy conversion plants. First, reviews are conducted on the main heat exchange component models of ship steam power plants, including the evaporator, superheater, economizer, whole boiler and condenser, main heat exchange, and energy conversion components, and system models of ocean thermal energy conversion plants, including the evaporator, condenser, dual-pressure turbine, and whole system. Then, constructal optimization of the main components of the two power plants and constructal thermodynamic optimization of the ocean thermal energy conversion plant based on modern thermal theories such as entropy generation minimization theory, finite time thermodynamics theory, entransy theory, and constructal theory are introduced. The similarities and differences in the results obtained before and after optimization, as well as the different optimization objectives and system structures, are extensively compared. Finally, the application prospects of constructal thermodynamic optimization to the optimal designs of energy transfer and conversion processes are made considering theoretical research on reduced energy consumption of power plants.