A power plant uses the Rankine cycle. The maximum desired temperature in the boiler is 500 C. If the turbine is reversible, and the outlet of the turbine (input to condenser) is saturated vapor at p = 25 kPa, determine: A) The operating pressure of the boiler. B) The thermal efficiency. C) The crculation rate to provide 1 MW net power output.
Now you want to improve the efficiency and circulation rate. You suggest operaing the cycle utilizing two reversible tubines with saturated vapor exit streams. All conditions remain the same except that the feed to the first turbine is steam at 450 C an 6 MPa. The feed to the second stage is at 500 C. Determine the improvement in efficiency and circulation rate relative to to the previous case.