Variation of Plant Electrical Output Due to Main Steam Temperature and Thermal Power

As a measure of power plant thermodynamic performance, heat rate (H.R.) is used. As heat rate is inversely proportional to thermal efficiency, the thermal efficiency of a power plant increases as the heat rate decreases. The major thermodynamic performance parameters in a plant thermal cycle affecting the electrical output include but are not limited to: the initial pressure of main steam at the turbine inlet, the initial moisture content or superheated condition of main steam at the turbine inlet, the effectiveness of the feedwater heating cycle, the effectiveness of the moisture separator, the effectiveness of the reheater, the condenser pressure, the level of cycle separation and the accuracy of electric output measurement. A review of thermodynamic principles involved in a thermal performance plan is needed to understand the changes in the parameters and recognize the thermal performance status and trends, which will lead us to propose corrective actions when appropriate. This paper focuses on the effects of main steam temperature and thermal power.