Assignment Brief: Investigation into Maximising the Efficiency of Rankine and Brayton Cycles
In the first two parts of this technical report, explain and analyse how the basic Rankine Cycle, part 1, and
Brayton cycle (for electrical power generation), part 2, can be modified to maximise the cycle efficiency. The
Rankine cycle modifications that need to be addressed in the first part of the report should include the
following items: multiple feedheaters, reheaters, superheaters, and turbines. The analysis and calculations
can be restricted to a cycle that contains two of each of the above items. However, explain qualitatively why,
although adding more of the above components leads a higher theoretical efficiency, in reality there is a
finite limit of how many repeated components the cycle will have. It is recommended that you make each of
the above items a subheading of part one of your report. The Brayton cycle modifications that need to be
addressed in the second part of the report should include the following items: two stage compressor with
intercooling in between, two combustion chambers and two turbines, and exhaust gas recuperation (heat
exchanger). It is recommended that you make each of the above items a subheading of part two of your
report.
The third and final part of this report should explain qualitatively how the two cycles can be combined in a
modern power station to produce electricity and why this type of dual (or composite) cycle is often used in
practice. Although no numerical calculations are required, use of a diagrams is recommended to support
your explanation.
In parts 1 and 2 of the report, each modification that is listed above, should include the following:
An introduction of the added component or item, describing and explaining the basic operating
principle of the component and how it can improve the overall cycle efficiency or practical
functionality. You should also explain what limits the performance of the component in reality. This
explanation could include, for example, limitations arising from the thermodynamic properties of the
working fluid in the cycle, limitations in material science that prevent higher performance from being
achieved, limitations in manufacturing tolerances of the components, or any other practical
limitations that increase the gap between the ideal and real performance of the component and
hence that of the whole cycle.
A hardware diagram to show how the modification is added to the basic cycle.
Appropriate cycle diagrams of relevant properties that clearly display how each added component
changes the diagram. These diagrams could be, for example, a temperature-entropy diagram and/or
a pressure-volume diagram. The cycle diagrams should then be referred to, when explaining about
the cycle performance.
An equation which gives you the efficiency of entire cycle with the added modification. This equation
should then be used to produce some numerical data, which is to be presented in a graph or in a
table (efficiency vs. a range of, say, 5 different input values). Note that I have not provided you with
relevant property data, or values for pressures and temperatures at any point within the cycles. You
are therefore to assume certain values that enable you to do the cycle efficiency calculation. You
must clearly state each assumptions you have made in order to calculate the cycle efficiency,
and justify why your assumed values are reasonable. I would suggest you refer to the literature
or the relevant material on study direct to make reasonable assumptions.
The numerical data should then be discussed and analysed with the focus on answering how the
component can improve the cycle efficiency. The discussion should also include how you could
make your assumptions and the mathematical analysis you have used to be more accurate.
The whole report should also include a brief summary and a conclusion that refer to the objective of this
report (the title of the assignment). Use of Matlab is allowed and recommended, although not necessary.
Resit Coursework Assignment
Thermal Power Cycles H3053
Weighting: 30% of the Module Mark
Summary (Reflecting on the objective of the report, i.e. what techniques
maximise the efficiency of the respective cycles)
5
Conclusion (Reflecting on the objective of the report i.e. what techniques
maximise the efficiency of the respective cycles)
5
*The report must be concise and to the point. Please make sure that your hardware diagrams are clearly
labelled, and that you focus the report around the objective of improving cycle efficiencies. I recommend
you do not write more than 2000 words. For help on writing the report, refer to the following source, or
contact me via email.
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/ei/internal/forstudents/engineeringdesign/studyguides/techreportwriting
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