Thermodynamics Mech3001 - Week 9 - Problem 4 (10.23)

10.23 A coal fired steam turbine power plant operates on the ideal Rankine cycle producing 175 MW of electric power. Steam enters the turbine at 7 MPa and 550°C, the condenser operates at a pressure of 15 kPa. The coal has a heating value of 29,300 kJ/kg. Assuming that 85% of this energy is transformed to the steam in the boiler and the electric generator has an efficiency of 96%, determine,

a) the overall plant efficiency (the ratio of net electric power outcome to the net energy input)

b) the required rate of coal supply