Open Access

ARTICLE

Optimizing Efficiency and Performance in a Rankine Cycle Power Plant Analysis

Ramesh Kumar^1,2, Abdullah Bin Queyam³, Manish Kumar Singla^1,4,*, Mohamed Louzazni⁵, Mishra Dipak Kumar⁶

1 Department of Interdisciplinary Courses in Engineering, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, India
2 Jadara University Research Center, Jadara University, Irbid, 21110, Jordan
3 School of Automation, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, 304022, India
4 Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
5 Science Engineer Laboratory for Energy, National School of Applied Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University of EI Jadida, EI Jadida, 24000, Morocco
6 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Dhenkanal, 759146, Odisha, India

* Corresponding Author: Manish Kumar Singla. Email:

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(4), 1373-1386. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.058058

Received 03 September 2024; Accepted 06 December 2024; Issue published 31 March 2025

Abstract

Enhancing the efficiency of Rankine cycles is crucial for improving the performance of thermal power plants, as it directly impacts operational costs and emissions in light of energy transition goals. This study sets itself apart from existing research by applying a novel optimization technique to a basic ideal Rankine cycle, focusing on a specific power plant that has not been previously analyzed. Currently, this cycle operates at 41% efficiency and a steam quality of 76%, constrained by fixed operational parameters. The primary objectives are to increase thermal efficiency beyond 46% and raise steam quality above 85%, while adhering to operational limits: a boiler pressure not exceeding 15 MPa, condenser pressure not dropping below 10 kPa, and turbine temperature not surpassing 500°C. This study utilizes numerical simulations to model the effects of varying boiler pressure (Pb) and condenser pressure (Pc) within the ranges of 12 MPa < Pb < 15 MPa and 5 kPa < Pc < 10 kPa. By systematically adjusting these parameters, the proposed aim to identify optimal conditions that maximize efficiency and performance within specified constraints. The findings will provide valuable insights for power plant operators seeking to optimize performance under real-world conditions, contributing to more efficient and sustainable power generation.

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Keywords

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