Thermal Power Plants

COURSE CONTENT

Part (a): An introduction to the current versions of Thermal Power Plants, the basic elements of Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer. A review of the historical evolution of the Thermal Power Plant architectures and the corresponding sub-component Technologies. The “energy problem” of the Humanity. The main product of the thermal power plants (the electric current) and the main subsystems associated with it (the electric generator, the transformer and the inverter) Part (β): The simple thermodynamic cycles, i.e. the Brayton, the Rankine and the Braysson cycles. The Rankine – Brayton combined cycle and the Waste Heat recovery Boiler. The Kalina and the Humid air cycles. Heat and Power cogeneration cycles. The typical fuel properties. Fuel treatment methods: (1) Coal pulverizes (2) Coal Gasification (3) Water splitting for the production of fuel Hydrogen.

Part (c): The main subsystems of a conventional Thermal Power Plant: (1) The boilers (2) Steam Turbines (3) Heat exchangers (4) Condensers (5) Cooling Towers (6) Water treatment

Part (d) The main pollutants and the corresponding filters.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes after the successful completion of the course requirements will include :

• Knowledge: The students are introduced into the historical evolution of the main Thermal Power Plant subsystems, their main technologies and the “energy problem” of humanity. This is followed by an analysis of the thermodynamic cycles (simple, combined and cogeneration) associated with modern plants. Finally, the student is introduced into the basic technologies of the main plant sub-systems so that he will be able to implement the first stage design of a Thermal Power plant.
• Skills: The students will be required to undertake a project involving the design of a complete thermal power plant, so that the main requirements of the proposed thermodynamic cycle are realized or to design a major subsystem (e.g. a specific shell and tube heat exchanger or a cooling tower, etc.).