Performance evaluation of a combined cycle thermoelectric plant based on its energy model

Abstract

This document deals with an energy model of a combined cycle power plant based on the evaluation of its thermodynamic properties and with emphasis on an analysis from the point of view of Electrical Engineering, that is, without representing in detail its mechanical processes. A theoretical formulation of gas and steam cycles are performed, presenting a study case where not only the efficiency of each cycle is determined, but also the combination of both gas and steam cycles are analyzed. As a result, combined cycle power plant has a better performance than regular power plants. EES software is used to calculate the thermodynamic properties of thermal cycles, which has an extensive library with properties of several substances. Air as ideal gas and water are used in the present project to determine the overall cycle performance, where parametric analysis is carried out to obtain illustrative graphs and trends, which are the basis to take corrective actions to improve the performance of the combined cycle.