Heat Transfer Research, vol.53, no.2, pp.1-12, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
© 2022 by Begell House, Inc.The exergy analysis and determination of irreversibility İ of a thermal power plant with 210 MW are presented in this study. The first- (ηI) and second-law (ηII) efficiencies, losses, and İ are computed for each component in the plant. The highest energy loss (43.538%) occurs with heat transfer to cooling water of the condenser, whereas the second loss (14.138%) occurs in the boiler. The highest İ value in the cycle (86.87%) occurs in the boiler followed by the turbine (5.95%). The ηI and ηII efficiencies of the whole plant are 38.64% and 31.68%, respectively. In addition, effects of the efficiencies in the temperature range from 5°C to 30°C are investigated. The ηI efficiency of the whole plant does not change, whereas the ηII efficiency decreases with increasing reference temperatures. In addition, the ηII efficiency is associated with environmental impact and sustainability.