RETRACTED: Analysis and optimization of thermal power plants: Pinch and exergy methods

Abstract

The increasing demand for electrical energy and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves have underscored the need for the analysis and optimization of thermal power plants. This research focuses on the analysis and optimization of a combined cycle power plant that utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel. The study employs exergy analysis, pinch analysis, and related concepts to analyze the energy flows and identify inefficiencies within the system. The aims of the research are to determine the overall losses, component efficiencies, and overall efficiency of the combined cycle power plant and to optimize its performance using the atomic orbital search algorithm. The optimization aims to reduce waste and increase the overall efficiency of the power plant. By using these methods and algorithms, the research aims to address the challenges associated with fossil fuel consumption and contribute to the sustainable and efficient production of electrical energy. The overall exergy efficiency of the power plant increased from 68.73% in the design mode to 70.56% after optimization, resulting in a significant improvement in energy utilization and a reduction in exergy losses across the cycle components. In the low-pressure section of the heat recovery steam generator, exergy losses decreased from 2791.3 kW to 1600.67 kW after optimization, while in the high-pressure section, exergy losses reduced from 45,013 kW to 42509.72 kW. These optimizations demonstrate the potential to minimize exergy waste and enhance the overall performance of the power plant.