SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering

SUBJECT CODE: 2171910

ASSIGNMENT-1 (CO-1)
Solved Questions
Chapter: 1 Thermal Power Plant
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Explain the present power position in India. W-19 3
2 Explain the function of following equipments in a thermal power plant: Reheater, W-18 3
control room and air-preheater.
3 Discuss the importance of condenser in thermal power plant. S-18 3
4 Explain the working of thermal power plant. 4
Chapter: 12 Economics of Power Generation
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
5 What do you understand by the term tariff? State the various methods for calculation W-19, 7
of tariff of them. Discuss any three of them. W-18
6 Define following terms: 1) Connected Load 2) Diversity Factor S-19, 4
W-19,
S-17
7 Explain Demand Factor, Diversity Factor and Plant Capacity Factor. W-19, 3
S-18,
S-17
8 Write short note on Cost of Power Plant. W-19 4
9 Define the following terms:- S-19, 3
(i) Peak load (ii) Average load S-18,
(iii) Plant use factor S-17
10 The annual peak load on 30 MW power station is 25 MW. The power station supplies W-17 7
load having maximum demand of 10 MW, 8.5 MW, 5 MW and 4.5 MW. The annual
load factor is 0.45. Calculate:
1. Average load
2. Energy supplied per year
3. Diversity factor
4. Demand factor
11 The maximum load on thermal power plant of 170 MW capacity is 130 MW at an Same 4
annual load factor of 0.6. The Coal consumption is 1.2 kg per kWh of energy as
generated and the cost of coal is Rs. 850 per tonne. Find the annual revenue earned S-17
if the electric energy is sold at Rs. 2 per kWh and also find the capacity factor of the
plant.
12 Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data: Same 7
Installed capacity of plant = 300 MW as
Capital cost = Rs. 600 crores S-19,
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 % S-12
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 8 crores
Load factor = 55%
 Unsolved Questions
Chapter: 1 Thermal Power Plant
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Draw general layout of modern thermal power plant and labelled its components. S-19, 3
W-16
2 Draw a neat layout of thermal power plant and make a list of site selection criteria S-17, 7
for the same. S-18
Chapter: 12 Economics of Power Generation
3 A power plant has following annual factors: Load factor = 0.75, Capacity factor= 0.60, W-10 7
Maximum demand = 60 MW. Estimate (i) the annual energy production and (ii) Plant
capacity.
4 The maximum load on thermal power plant of 70 MW capacity is 55 MW at an annual S-17 4
load factor of 60 %. The Coal consumption is 0.96 kg per unit of energy generated and
the cost of coal is Rs. 2 per kg. Find the annual revenue earned if the electric energy
is sold at Rs. 2.5 per kWh.
5 A 200 MW thermal power plant has peak load of 130 MW. The power station supplies W-16 7
load to four town having their maximum demand of 30 MW, 40 MW, 25 MW and 45
MW. The annual load factor is 65%. Find: (i) Average load on the plant (ii) Energy
supplied per year (iii) Diversity factor (iv) Demand factor (v) Plant capacity factor.
6 Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data: S-19, 7
Installed capacity of plant = 200 MW S-12
Capital cost = Rs. 400 crores
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 %
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 5 crores
Load factor = 50%

Solutions:

1. Explain the present power position in India.

Ans.

India now generates around 1,160.1 billion units of electricity in financial year 2017, up 4.72% from
the previous year. The country is behind only China which produced 6,015 terrawatt hours (TWh. 1
TW = 1,000,000 megawatts) and the US (4,327 TWh), and is ahead of Russia, Japan, Germany, and
Canada.

Total electricity production stood at 1,003.52 billion units in India between April 2017 and January
2018. “Multiple drivers (like industrial expansion and rising per capita income) are leading to growth
in power demand; this is set to continue in the coming years,” said a report by the India Brand Equity
Foundation (IBEF), an arm of the Indian government’s ministry of commerce.

The country’s installed power generating capacity of 334.4 gigawatt (GW, or 1,000 megawatts) as of
January 2018 is the world’s fifth-largest. Over the last five years, India put up 99.21 GW of additional
capacity. Of this, 91.73 GW came from thermal sources, 5.48 GW from hydro, and 2 GW from nuclear
sources.

2. Explain the function of following equipments in a thermal power plant: Reheater, control
room and air-preheater.

Ans.

Reheater:

It is used to raise the temperature of steam after it has expanded in the high pressure turbine. After
heating the steam supplied to the low pressure steam turbine.

Control room:

The control room houses all the necessary measuring instruments for each panel of generator
(alternator) and feeder, synchronizing gear, protective gear, automatic voltage regulator,
communication arrangement etc. The performance of all the plant equipments is constantly
monitored here with the help of sophisticated instrumentation and controllers.

Air-preheater:

The function of air preheater is to increase the temperature of air before it supply to the furnace using
heat from flue gases passing through chimney.

3. Discuss the importance of condenser in thermal power plant.

Ans.

A condenser is a heat exchanger, consists of large cylindrical vessel containing large number of brass
tubes through which cooling water circulated and steam flowing outside the surface of tubes. The
function of condenser is to condense the steam which coming from the low pressure turbine.

4. Explain the working of thermal power plant.

Ans.

Steam power plant basically works on the Rankine cycle in which steam and water is used as working
fluid. In Rankine cycle high pressure and temperature steam is generated in the boiler by burning of
fuel. That high pressure and temperature steam is then expanded in the turbine to produce power
which in turn used to drive the generator to produce electricity. After the expansion of steam low
pressure and temperature steam is condensed in the condenser and the condensate is fed back to the
boiler with the help of the feed water pump and cycle is repeated.
The main components of cycle are boiler, turbine, condenser and feed pump. The cycle consists of
following four processes:

Process 1-2 isentropic expansion: Steam at high pressure and temperature is expanded in turbine
isentropically. Pressure of the steam is decreases from P1 to P2. During the process work is done by
the turbine.

Process 2-3 constant pressure heat rejection: exhaust steam from the turbine is condensed at
constant pressure in the condenser so steam is condensed into water. During the process latent heat
of steam is rejected to cooling water.

Process 3-4 isentropic compression: Condensate from the condenser is pumped back to the boiler.
During with work is done on the water by the pump

Process 4-1 constant pressure heat addition: in the boiler heat is supplied at constant pressure by
burning of the fuel.

5. What do you understand by the term tariff? State the various methods for calculation of tariff
of them. Discuss any three of them.

Ans.

The rates of energy sold to the consumers depend on the type of consumers as domestic, commercial,
and industrial. The rates depend upon the total energy consumed and the load factor of the consumer.

Whatever may be the type of consumer, all forms of energy rates must cover the following items,

1) Recovery of capital cost invested for the generating power plant.

2) Recovery of the running costs as operation cost, maintenance cost, metering the equipment cost,
billing cost and many others.
3) Satisfactory profit on the invested capital as the power plant is considered a profitable business
for the government.
Although the determination of each cost item is simple but the allocation of these items among the
various classes of consumers is rather difficult and requires considerable engineering judgement.

The general type of tariff can be represented by the following equation.

Z= ax + by + c
Where,
Z= Total amount of bill for the period considered x= Maximum demand in KW
y= Energy consumed in KWh during the period considered a=Rate per KW of max demand
b= Energy rate per KWh
c= Constant amount charged to the consumer during each billing period. This charge is independent
of demand or total energy because a consumer that remains connected to the line incurs expenses
even if he does not use energy.

Methods for calculation of tariff:

(a) Flat demand rate

(b) Straight line meter rate
(c) Block meter rate method
(d) Hopkinson demand rate or Two part Tariff
(e) Doherty rate or Three part Tariff

(a) Flat demand rate

This type of charging depends only on the connected load and fixed number of hours of use per
month or year. This rate expresses the charge per unit of demand (KW) of the consumer. This
system eliminates the use of metering equipments and manpower required for the same.
This can be expressed as,
Z = ax
Under this system of charging the consumer cam theoretically use any amount of energy up to
that consumed by all the connected load at 100% use factor continuously at full load.
The unit energy cost decreases progressively with an increased energy usage since the total cost
remains constant
(b) Straight line meter rate
In this type of tariff, the charge is based on amount of energy consumed and the charge per unit
is constant. It is expressed as
Z = by
The main drawback of this tariff is that a customer who does not use energy will not pay any
amount.
(c) Block meter rate method
The straight line meter rate charges the same unit price for all magnitudes of energy consumption.
The increased generation spreads the item of fixed charge over a greater number of units of
energy and therefore the price of energy should decrease with an increase of consumption. To
overcome this difficulty, the block meter rate is used. In this method the charging energy is done
as stated below:
Z1 =b1y1+b2y2+b3y3+_ _ _ _
Where b3<b2<b1 and
y1+y2+y3+=y (total energy consumption)
In gross meter rate system, the rate of unit charge decreases with increasing consumption of
energy. The level y1, y2, y3 and so on is decided by the management to recover the capital cost
of the plant.
6. Define following terms: 1) Connected Load 2) Diversity Factor

Ans.

1) Connected Load
It is defined as sum of the ratings of all the equipment installed in a given space which
consumes the electrical energy ratings of all the equipments given in KW.
2) Diversity Factor
It is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demand of the load to the maximum demand of
entire group of loads.
7. Explain Demand Factor, Diversity Factor and Plant Capacity Factor.

Ans.

Demand Factor:
It is defined as the ratio of maximum demand to the connected load of a consumer.

Diversity Factor:
It is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demand of the load to the maximum demand of entire
group of loads.

Plant Capacity Factor:

Capacity factor shows how close a plant runs to its full rating.

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = E/C x t

Where,

E= Actual energy generated in KWhr in given period

C= Capacity of the plant in KW

t= Total number of hours in the given period

8. Write short note on Cost of Power Plant.

Ans.

The cost of electrical energy generated in power plant consists of fixed cost and running cost.

(a) Fixed Cost

The fixed cost is the capital invested in the installation of complete plant. This includes the cost of
land, buildings, equipments, transmission, and distribution lines, cost of planning and designing of the
plant substations and many others. It further includes the interest on the invested capital, insurance,
maintenance cost, and depreciation cost.

(b) Running Cost

The operating cost of the electrical power generation includes the cost of fuel, cost of lubricating oil,
grease, cooling water, and number of consumable articles required. The wages required for supplying
the above material are also included in the operating cost of the power plant.
9. Define the following terms:-

(i) Peak load (ii) Average load (iii) Plant use factor

Ans.

Peak Load:
It is the maximum load which a consumer uses at any time. It can be less than or equal to connected
load.

Average Load:
It is defined as the ratio of energy consumed by the consumers in KWhr to the duration of
consumption (i.e. 24 hours). It is also calculated by multiplication of load factor and peak load.

Plant use factor:

It is defined as the ratio of energy produced in a given time to maximum possible energy that could
have been produced during the actual number of hours the plant was in operation. High value of plant
use factor indicates that the plant is used more efficiently.

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = E/C x t1

Where,
E= Actual energy generated in KWhr in given period
C= Capacity of the plant in KW
t1= Actual number of hours the plant is in operation
10. The annual peak load on 30 MW power station is 25 MW. The power station supplies load
having maximum demand of 10 MW, 8.5 MW, 5 MW and 4.5 MW. The annual load factor is
0.45. Calculate:
1. Average load
2. Energy supplied per year
3. Diversity factor
4. Demand factor
Ans.

Peak Load = 25 MW, Load factor = 0.45

!"#$%&# ()%*
1. Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Load factor
= 25 X 0.45
= 11.25 MW = 11.25 X 103 kW
2. Energy supplied per year= Average load X 365 X 24 = 11.25 X 103 X 365 X 24 = 98.55 X 106 kWh

-./ )0 12*1"1*.%( /%31/./ *#/%2*4 67 8 9.; 8 ; 8 <.;

3. Diversity factor =
-1/.(5%2#).4 /%31/./ *#/%2*
= =;
= 1.12

>%31/./ *#/%2* =;
4. Demand factor =
?)22#@5#* ()%*
= 67 8 9.; 8 ; 8 <.; = 0.8928
11. The maximum load on thermal power plant of 170 MW capacity is 130 MW at an annual load
factor of 0.6. The Coal consumption is 1.2 kg per kWh of energy generated and the cost of coal
 is Rs. 850 per tonne. Find the annual revenue earned if the electric energy is sold at Rs. 2 per
kWh and also find the capacity factor of the plant.

Ans.

Peak load = 130 MW, Load factor = 0.6, Coal consumption = 1.2 kg/kWh, Coal cost = Rs. 850/tonne,
Annual revenue = ? , Capacity facor = ?
!"#$%&# ()%*
Annual Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Annual Load factor = 0.6 X 130 = 78 MW

Energy generated per year = Average load X 365 X 24 = 78 X 365 X 24 = 683280 X 103 kWh

Coal required per year = 683280 X 103 X 1.2 = 819936000 kg = 819936 tonnes

Cost of coal per year = 819936 X 850 = Rs. 696.9456 X 106

Cost of energy sold = 683280 X 103 X 2 = Rs. 1366.56 X 106

Revenue earned by the power plant per year = Cost of energy sold – Cost of coal per year

= Rs. 1366.56 X 106 - 696.9456 X 106

= Rs. 669.614 X 106

= Rs. 66.96 crore

!"#$%&# ()%* C9
Capacity factor =
?%A%@15B )0 A(%25
= 6C7 = 0.4588

12. Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data:
Installed capacity of plant = 300 MW
Capital cost = Rs. 600 crores
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 %
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 8 crores
Load factor = 55%
Ans.
Assuming the maximum demand equal to the capacity of the power plant.
!"#$%&# ()%*
Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Load factor = 300 X 0.55 = 165 MW

Energy generated per year = Average load X 365 X 24 = 165 X 103 X 365 X 24

= 144.54 X 107 kWh

Interest and depreciation = 0.12 X 600 X 107 = Rs. 72 X 107

Total annual cost = (72 X 107) + (8 X 107) = Rs. 80 X 107

!".$% ' (%!
Cost per kWh = ! = Rs. 0.5534
144.54 𝑋 10
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-1 (CO-1)
Solved Questions
Chapter: 1 Thermal Power Plant
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Explain the present power position in India. W-19 3
2 Explain the function of following equipments in a thermal power plant: Reheater, W-18 3
control room and air-preheater.
3 Discuss the importance of condenser in thermal power plant. S-18 3
4 Explain the working of thermal power plant. 4
Chapter: 12 Economics of Power Generation
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
5 What do you understand by the term tariff? State the various methods for calculation W-19, 7
of tariff of them. Discuss any three of them. W-18
6 Define following terms: 1) Connected Load 2) Diversity Factor S-19, 4
W-19,
S-17
7 Explain Demand Factor, Diversity Factor and Plant Capacity Factor. W-19, 3
S-18,
S-17
8 Write short note on Cost of Power Plant. W-19 4
9 Define the following terms:- S-19, 3
(i) Peak load (ii) Average load S-18,
(iii) Plant use factor S-17
10 The annual peak load on 30 MW power station is 25 MW. The power station supplies W-17 7
load having maximum demand of 10 MW, 8.5 MW, 5 MW and 4.5 MW. The annual
load factor is 0.45. Calculate:
1. Average load
2. Energy supplied per year
3. Diversity factor
4. Demand factor
11 The maximum load on thermal power plant of 170 MW capacity is 130 MW at an Same 4
annual load factor of 0.6. The Coal consumption is 1.2 kg per kWh of energy as
generated and the cost of coal is Rs. 850 per tonne. Find the annual revenue earned S-17
if the electric energy is sold at Rs. 2 per kWh and also find the capacity factor of the
plant.
12 Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data: Same 7
Installed capacity of plant = 300 MW as
Capital cost = Rs. 600 crores S-19,
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 % S-12
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 8 crores
Load factor = 55%
 Unsolved Questions
Chapter: 1 Thermal Power Plant
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Draw general layout of modern thermal power plant and labelled its components. S-19, 3
W-16
2 Draw a neat layout of thermal power plant and make a list of site selection criteria S-17, 7
for the same. S-18
Chapter: 12 Economics of Power Generation
3 A power plant has following annual factors: Load factor = 0.75, Capacity factor= 0.60, W-10 7
Maximum demand = 60 MW. Estimate (i) the annual energy production and (ii) Plant
capacity.
4 The maximum load on thermal power plant of 70 MW capacity is 55 MW at an annual S-17 4
load factor of 60 %. The Coal consumption is 0.96 kg per unit of energy generated and
the cost of coal is Rs. 2 per kg. Find the annual revenue earned if the electric energy
is sold at Rs. 2.5 per kWh.
5 A 200 MW thermal power plant has peak load of 130 MW. The power station supplies W-16 7
load to four town having their maximum demand of 30 MW, 40 MW, 25 MW and 45
MW. The annual load factor is 65%. Find: (i) Average load on the plant (ii) Energy
supplied per year (iii) Diversity factor (iv) Demand factor (v) Plant capacity factor.
6 Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data: S-19, 7
Installed capacity of plant = 200 MW S-12
Capital cost = Rs. 400 crores
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 %
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 5 crores
Load factor = 50%

Solutions:

1. Explain the present power position in India.

Ans.

India now generates around 1,160.1 billion units of electricity in financial year 2017, up 4.72% from
the previous year. The country is behind only China which produced 6,015 terrawatt hours (TWh. 1
TW = 1,000,000 megawatts) and the US (4,327 TWh), and is ahead of Russia, Japan, Germany, and
Canada.

Total electricity production stood at 1,003.52 billion units in India between April 2017 and January
2018. “Multiple drivers (like industrial expansion and rising per capita income) are leading to growth
in power demand; this is set to continue in the coming years,” said a report by the India Brand Equity
Foundation (IBEF), an arm of the Indian government’s ministry of commerce.

The country’s installed power generating capacity of 334.4 gigawatt (GW, or 1,000 megawatts) as of
January 2018 is the world’s fifth-largest. Over the last five years, India put up 99.21 GW of additional
capacity. Of this, 91.73 GW came from thermal sources, 5.48 GW from hydro, and 2 GW from nuclear
sources.

2. Explain the function of following equipments in a thermal power plant: Reheater, control
room and air-preheater.

Ans.

Reheater:

It is used to raise the temperature of steam after it has expanded in the high pressure turbine. After
heating the steam supplied to the low pressure steam turbine.

Control room:

The control room houses all the necessary measuring instruments for each panel of generator
(alternator) and feeder, synchronizing gear, protective gear, automatic voltage regulator,
communication arrangement etc. The performance of all the plant equipments is constantly
monitored here with the help of sophisticated instrumentation and controllers.

Air-preheater:

The function of air preheater is to increase the temperature of air before it supply to the furnace using
heat from flue gases passing through chimney.

3. Discuss the importance of condenser in thermal power plant.

Ans.

A condenser is a heat exchanger, consists of large cylindrical vessel containing large number of brass
tubes through which cooling water circulated and steam flowing outside the surface of tubes. The
function of condenser is to condense the steam which coming from the low pressure turbine.

4. Explain the working of thermal power plant.

Ans.

Steam power plant basically works on the Rankine cycle in which steam and water is used as working
fluid. In Rankine cycle high pressure and temperature steam is generated in the boiler by burning of
fuel. That high pressure and temperature steam is then expanded in the turbine to produce power
which in turn used to drive the generator to produce electricity. After the expansion of steam low
pressure and temperature steam is condensed in the condenser and the condensate is fed back to the
boiler with the help of the feed water pump and cycle is repeated.
The main components of cycle are boiler, turbine, condenser and feed pump. The cycle consists of
following four processes:

Process 1-2 isentropic expansion: Steam at high pressure and temperature is expanded in turbine
isentropically. Pressure of the steam is decreases from P1 to P2. During the process work is done by
the turbine.

Process 2-3 constant pressure heat rejection: exhaust steam from the turbine is condensed at
constant pressure in the condenser so steam is condensed into water. During the process latent heat
of steam is rejected to cooling water.

Process 3-4 isentropic compression: Condensate from the condenser is pumped back to the boiler.
During with work is done on the water by the pump

Process 4-1 constant pressure heat addition: in the boiler heat is supplied at constant pressure by
burning of the fuel.

5. What do you understand by the term tariff? State the various methods for calculation of tariff
of them. Discuss any three of them.

Ans.

The rates of energy sold to the consumers depend on the type of consumers as domestic, commercial,
and industrial. The rates depend upon the total energy consumed and the load factor of the consumer.

Whatever may be the type of consumer, all forms of energy rates must cover the following items,

1) Recovery of capital cost invested for the generating power plant.

2) Recovery of the running costs as operation cost, maintenance cost, metering the equipment cost,
billing cost and many others.
3) Satisfactory profit on the invested capital as the power plant is considered a profitable business
for the government.
Although the determination of each cost item is simple but the allocation of these items among the
various classes of consumers is rather difficult and requires considerable engineering judgement.

The general type of tariff can be represented by the following equation.

Z= ax + by + c
Where,
Z= Total amount of bill for the period considered x= Maximum demand in KW
y= Energy consumed in KWh during the period considered a=Rate per KW of max demand
b= Energy rate per KWh
c= Constant amount charged to the consumer during each billing period. This charge is independent
of demand or total energy because a consumer that remains connected to the line incurs expenses
even if he does not use energy.

Methods for calculation of tariff:

(a) Flat demand rate

(b) Straight line meter rate
(c) Block meter rate method
(d) Hopkinson demand rate or Two part Tariff
(e) Doherty rate or Three part Tariff

(a) Flat demand rate

This type of charging depends only on the connected load and fixed number of hours of use per
month or year. This rate expresses the charge per unit of demand (KW) of the consumer. This
system eliminates the use of metering equipments and manpower required for the same.
This can be expressed as,
Z = ax
Under this system of charging the consumer cam theoretically use any amount of energy up to
that consumed by all the connected load at 100% use factor continuously at full load.
The unit energy cost decreases progressively with an increased energy usage since the total cost
remains constant
(b) Straight line meter rate
In this type of tariff, the charge is based on amount of energy consumed and the charge per unit
is constant. It is expressed as
Z = by
The main drawback of this tariff is that a customer who does not use energy will not pay any
amount.
(c) Block meter rate method
The straight line meter rate charges the same unit price for all magnitudes of energy consumption.
The increased generation spreads the item of fixed charge over a greater number of units of
energy and therefore the price of energy should decrease with an increase of consumption. To
overcome this difficulty, the block meter rate is used. In this method the charging energy is done
as stated below:
Z1 =b1y1+b2y2+b3y3+_ _ _ _
Where b3<b2<b1 and
y1+y2+y3+=y (total energy consumption)
In gross meter rate system, the rate of unit charge decreases with increasing consumption of
energy. The level y1, y2, y3 and so on is decided by the management to recover the capital cost
of the plant.
6. Define following terms: 1) Connected Load 2) Diversity Factor

Ans.

1) Connected Load
It is defined as sum of the ratings of all the equipment installed in a given space which
consumes the electrical energy ratings of all the equipments given in KW.
2) Diversity Factor
It is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demand of the load to the maximum demand of
entire group of loads.
7. Explain Demand Factor, Diversity Factor and Plant Capacity Factor.

Ans.

Demand Factor:
It is defined as the ratio of maximum demand to the connected load of a consumer.

Diversity Factor:
It is the ratio of sum of individual maximum demand of the load to the maximum demand of entire
group of loads.

Plant Capacity Factor:

Capacity factor shows how close a plant runs to its full rating.

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = E/C x t

Where,

E= Actual energy generated in KWhr in given period

C= Capacity of the plant in KW

t= Total number of hours in the given period

8. Write short note on Cost of Power Plant.

Ans.

The cost of electrical energy generated in power plant consists of fixed cost and running cost.

(a) Fixed Cost

The fixed cost is the capital invested in the installation of complete plant. This includes the cost of
land, buildings, equipments, transmission, and distribution lines, cost of planning and designing of the
plant substations and many others. It further includes the interest on the invested capital, insurance,
maintenance cost, and depreciation cost.

(b) Running Cost

The operating cost of the electrical power generation includes the cost of fuel, cost of lubricating oil,
grease, cooling water, and number of consumable articles required. The wages required for supplying
the above material are also included in the operating cost of the power plant.
9. Define the following terms:-

(i) Peak load (ii) Average load (iii) Plant use factor

Ans.

Peak Load:
It is the maximum load which a consumer uses at any time. It can be less than or equal to connected
load.

Average Load:
It is defined as the ratio of energy consumed by the consumers in KWhr to the duration of
consumption (i.e. 24 hours). It is also calculated by multiplication of load factor and peak load.

Plant use factor:

It is defined as the ratio of energy produced in a given time to maximum possible energy that could
have been produced during the actual number of hours the plant was in operation. High value of plant
use factor indicates that the plant is used more efficiently.

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = E/C x t1

Where,
E= Actual energy generated in KWhr in given period
C= Capacity of the plant in KW
t1= Actual number of hours the plant is in operation
10. The annual peak load on 30 MW power station is 25 MW. The power station supplies load
having maximum demand of 10 MW, 8.5 MW, 5 MW and 4.5 MW. The annual load factor is
0.45. Calculate:
1. Average load
2. Energy supplied per year
3. Diversity factor
4. Demand factor
Ans.

Peak Load = 25 MW, Load factor = 0.45

!"#$%&# ()%*
1. Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Load factor
= 25 X 0.45
= 11.25 MW = 11.25 X 103 kW
2. Energy supplied per year= Average load X 365 X 24 = 11.25 X 103 X 365 X 24 = 98.55 X 106 kWh

-./ )0 12*1"1*.%( /%31/./ *#/%2*4 67 8 9.; 8 ; 8 <.;

3. Diversity factor =
-1/.(5%2#).4 /%31/./ *#/%2*
= =;
= 1.12

>%31/./ *#/%2* =;
4. Demand factor =
?)22#@5#* ()%*
= 67 8 9.; 8 ; 8 <.; = 0.8928
11. The maximum load on thermal power plant of 170 MW capacity is 130 MW at an annual load
factor of 0.6. The Coal consumption is 1.2 kg per kWh of energy generated and the cost of coal
 is Rs. 850 per tonne. Find the annual revenue earned if the electric energy is sold at Rs. 2 per
kWh and also find the capacity factor of the plant.

Ans.

Peak load = 130 MW, Load factor = 0.6, Coal consumption = 1.2 kg/kWh, Coal cost = Rs. 850/tonne,
Annual revenue = ? , Capacity facor = ?
!"#$%&# ()%*
Annual Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Annual Load factor = 0.6 X 130 = 78 MW

Energy generated per year = Average load X 365 X 24 = 78 X 365 X 24 = 683280 X 103 kWh

Coal required per year = 683280 X 103 X 1.2 = 819936000 kg = 819936 tonnes

Cost of coal per year = 819936 X 850 = Rs. 696.9456 X 106

Cost of energy sold = 683280 X 103 X 2 = Rs. 1366.56 X 106

Revenue earned by the power plant per year = Cost of energy sold – Cost of coal per year

= Rs. 1366.56 X 106 - 696.9456 X 106

= Rs. 669.614 X 106

= Rs. 66.96 crore

!"#$%&# ()%* C9
Capacity factor =
?%A%@15B )0 A(%25
= 6C7 = 0.4588

12. Calculate the cost of generation per kWhr for a power station having following data:
Installed capacity of plant = 300 MW
Capital cost = Rs. 600 crores
Rate of interest and depreciation = 12 %
Annual cost of fuel, salaries and taxation = Rs. 8 crores
Load factor = 55%
Ans.
Assuming the maximum demand equal to the capacity of the power plant.
!"#$%&# ()%*
Load factor =
+#%, ()%*
Average load = Peak load X Load factor = 300 X 0.55 = 165 MW

Energy generated per year = Average load X 365 X 24 = 165 X 103 X 365 X 24

= 144.54 X 107 kWh

Interest and depreciation = 0.12 X 600 X 107 = Rs. 72 X 107

Total annual cost = (72 X 107) + (8 X 107) = Rs. 80 X 107

!".$% ' (%!
Cost per kWh = ! = Rs. 0.5534
144.54 𝑋 10
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-3 (CO-2)
Solved Questions
Chapter: 5 Steam Nozzles
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Define critical pressure. W-16, 07
Derive 𝑃2/𝑃1= (2/𝑛+1)n/n-1 ; where P2 is throat pressure, P1 is inlet pressure and n is S-18
the index of isentropic expansion of steam through the nozzle. OR
Derive equation of critical pressure ratio of nozzle and explain its significance.
Calculate its value for superheated steam.
2 Derive the condition and then equation of maximum discharge through the nozzle, S-17, 07
also write maximum discharge for different condition of steam. OR W-19
Derive equation of maximum discharge through a nozzle or critical pressure ratio.
3 Define the term nozzle and diffuser. Also state its applications. S-18 03
4 Derive the expression for the velocity in terms of enthalpy drop for a flow through W-18 03
the nozzle.
5 Derive expression for mass flow rate of steam through nozzle. S-19 07
6 Explain friction in Nozzle during steam flow. W-19 04
7 Steam is expanded in nozzle from 15 bar and 350 0C to 1 bar. Find the throat and exit S-17 04
area if flow rate is 1 kg/sec. What should be coefficient of velocity if exit velocity is
1150 m/sec?
8 The pressure and temperature of steam entering the nozzle are 12 bar and 2000C and W-16 07
steam leave the nozzle at 1 bar. The diameter of the nozzle at throat is 10 mm.
Calculate the mass flow rate of steam in a nozzle and which type of nozzle is required?
9 A nozzle expands steam from 12 bar and 250°C to 6 bar. Is the nozzle convergent or Same 07
divergent? Neglecting the initial velocity, find the minimum area of the nozzles to as
flow 2 kg/s of steam under the given conditions. Assume the expansion of steam W-19
isentropic. Calculate the actual throat area if the coefficient of discharge is 0.98.
Chapter: 6 Steam turbine
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
10 Explain pressure-velocity compounding of impulse turbine with diagram. OR W-16, 07
Describe the term, “compounding of steam turbine” and explain Pressure-Velocity W-17,
compounded impulse turbine with necessary diagrams. S-18
11 Define blade efficiency and derive an expression for maximum blade efficiency for W-16 07
single stage impulse steam turbine.
12 State and explain losses in steam turbine. S-17 07
13 What is compounding of steam turbines and why it is essential? OR W-17, 04
Explain compounding of steam turbines. W-19
14 Classify steam turbines. S-18, 04
S-19
15 Explain the principle of operation of steam turbine. W-18 03
16 Explain the working principle of plain Labyrinth glands used in steam turbine. W-18 03
17 What is compounding? Explain working principle of pressure compounding with neat S-19 07
sketch.
18 Differentiate between throttle governing and nozzle control governing. S-19 04
19 Give comparison of Impulse and Reaction Turbine. W-19 03
20 Define the term “Degree of Reaction”. Derive condition of maximum blade efficiency W-12, 07
in case of 50% reaction turbine. W-14
21 Steam issues from the nozzles of a De Laval turbine with a velocity of 1400 m/s. The S-15, 07
nozzle angle is 150, the mean blade velocity is 450 m/s and the inlet and outlet angle W-14
of blade are equal. The mass of steam flowing through turbine per hour is 100 kg.
Determine: (i) the blade angles, (ii) the relative velocity of steam entering the blades,
(iii) the tangential force on the blades, (iv) the power developed, (v) the blade
efficiency. Assume that K = 0.8.
22 The data refer to a stage of Parson’s reaction turbine: Same 07
The mean diameter of blade ring is 800 mm. Running speed is 3000 rpm. The steam as
velocity at exit from fixed blades is 180 m/s. Blade outlet angle is 16°. Steam flow rate W-17,
through blades is 10 kg per second. S-12
Draw the velocity diagram and find :
(i) Blade inlet angle
(ii) Tangential force on the ring of moving blades.
(iii) Power developed in the stage.
(iv) The maximum blade efficiency.
Chapter: 7 Condensers and Cooling Towers
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
23 Define Fill, Drift and cooling efficiency of cooling tower. Explain the methods for S-17 07
obtaining maximum vacuum in condenser.
24 Explain following terms pertaining to cooling tower: Drift, Approach, Range and W-17 04
Cooling efficiency of cooling tower.
25 How the Dalton’s law of partial pressure can be applied to condenser application? S-18 04
26 Write short note on surface condenser. S-18 04
27 Explain downflow surface condenser. W-18 04
28 What are the sources of air leakage in a condenser? W-18 03
29 Give comparison between jet and surface condenser. W-19 03
30 In a condenser, vacuum reads 716 mm of Hg while barometer reads 756 mm of Hg. W-16 07
The temperature of condensate is 250C. Determine (i) The pressure of the steam and
air (ii) Mass of air per kg of steam (iii) The vacuum efficiency.
31 What is the necessity of cooling tower in a steam power plant? S-19 03
32 Define following term: 1) Vacuum efficiency 2) Condenser S-19 03
efficiency
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-3
Unsolved Questions
Chapter: 5 Steam Nozzles
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 A steam turbine develops 185 kW with a consumption of 16.5 kg/kWh. The pressure W-14 07
and temperature of steam entering the nozzle are 12 bar and 220 0C respectively.
The steam leaves the nozzle at 1.2 bar. If the diameter of the nozzle at throat is 7 mm,
find the maximum number of nozzles required.
2 Steam at a pressure of 15 bar and dryness fraction 0.95 is discharged through a W-18 07
convergent-divergent nozzle to a back pressure of 0.5 bar. The mass flow rate is 9
kg/kwhr. If the power developed is 200 kW, determine :
(i) Throat pressure
(ii) Number of nozzles required if each nozzle has a throat of rectangular cross-section
of 4 mm x 8 mm.
(iii) If 10% of overall isentropic enthalpy drop reheats by friction the steam in
divergent portion, find the cross-section of the exit rectangle
3 Dry saturated steam at a pressure of 8 bar enters a convergent divergent nozzle and W-17 07
leaves it at a pressure of 1.5 bar. If the flow is isentropic and the corresponding
expansion index is 1.135;
Calculate:
(a) the ratio of cross-sectional area at exit and (b) Throat for maximum discharge.
4 A nozzle expands steam from 12 bar and 250°C to 6 bar. Is the nozzle convergent or W-19 07
divergent? Neglecting the initial velocity, find the minimum area of the nozzles to
flow 2.2 kg/s of steam under the given conditions. Assume the expansion of steam
isentropic. Calculate the actual throat area if the coefficient of discharge is 0.97.
5 The pressure and temperature of steam entering the nozzle are 10 bar and 2500C and Same 07
steam leave the nozzle at 2 bar. The diameter of the nozzle at throat is 15 mm. as
Calculate the mass flow rate of steam in a nozzle and which type of nozzle is required? W-16
Chapter: 6 Steam turbine
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
6 Steam issues from the nozzles at angle of 180 at a velocity of 450 m/sec. the friction W-16 07
factor is 0.88. For a single stage turbine designed for maximum efficiency, determine
(i) Blade velocity (ii) Moving blade angles for equi-angular blades (iii) blade efficiency
(iv) stage efficiency if the nozzle efficiency is 95% (v) Power developed for a mass flow
rate of steam of 4 kg/sec.
7 A single row impulse turbine develops 135 kW at a blade speed of 180 m/sec using 2 W-18 07
kg of steam per second. Steam leaves the nozzle at 400 m/sec. Velocity coefficient of
the blades is 0.9. Steam leaves the turbine blades axially. Determine
(i) Nozzle angle and (ii) Blade angles at entry and exit assuming no shock.
8 In a 50% reaction turbine, the speed of rotation of blade group is 3000 rpm with min S-18 07
blade velocity of 120 m/sec. The velocity ratio is 0.8 and the exit angle of the blade is
20o. If the mean blade height is 30 mm, Calculate the total steam flow rate through
the turbine. Neglect the effect of blade edge thickness of the annular area, but
consider 10% of the total steam flow rate as the tip leakage loss. The mean condition
of the steam in that blade group is found to be 2.7 bar and 0.95 dry.
9 A mean blade ring diameter of a single stage impulse turbine is 1.3 meter. It runs at S-19 07
3200 R.P.M. The nozzle angle is 150 and blade speed ratio is 0.45. The blade friction
factor is 0.9 and the discharge is axial. Calculate blade inlet and outlet angles and
power output per kg of steam.
10 A single stage impulse turbine has a mean blade ring diameter of 120 cm and runs at W-19 07
3500rpm. The blade speed ratio is 0.45 and discharge is axial. The nozzle angle is 16°
and blade friction factor is 0.9. Determine : (i) blade angles and (ii) theoretical specific
power output
11 The Data pertaining to an impulse turbine is as: Blade speed = 300 m/s, Isenthalpic S-17 07
enthalpy drop in nozzle = 450 kJ/kg, Nozzle efficiency = 90 %, Nozzle angle = 200, Blade
velocity co efficient = 0.85, Blade exit angle = 250. Calculate for a mass of 1 kg/sec;
(1) Inlet angle of moving blades (2) The axial thrust
(3) The driving force on the wheel (4) The diagram power
(5) The energy lost in blades due to friction (6) Blade efficiency
12 A reaction turbine runs at 3000 RPM and steam consumption is 18000 kg/hr. The S-17 07
pressure of Steam at a certain pair is 2 bar, its dryness fraction is 0.94 and the power
developed by the pair is 52 kW. The discharge blade angle is 200 for both fix and
moving blades and the axial flow velocity is 0.72 times the blade velocity. Find out the
drum diameter and blade height. Take the tip leakage steam as 8 %. Neglect the Blade
thickness.
13 The data refer to a stage of Parson’s reaction turbine: W-17 07
The mean diameter of blade ring is 680 mm. Running speed is 3100 rpm. The steam
velocity at exit from fixed blades is 160 m/s. Blade outlet angle is 21°. Steam flow rate
through blades is 7.4 kg per second.
Draw the velocity diagram and find :
(i) Blade inlet angle
(ii) Power developed in the stage.
(iii) The maximum blade efficiency.
Chapter: 7 Condensers and Cooling Towers
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
14 Explain Natural draft cooling tower with neat sketch. W-19 07
15 Explain Evaporative condenser. 07
16 Explain advantages and disadvantages of surface condenser. 04
17 Explain sources of air in the condenser and its effects. 07
18 The following readings are recorded during a test on a steam condenser: Same 07
Vacuum in condenser = 71.5 cm of Hg, barometer reading = 76.5 cm of Hg, mean as
temperature of condenser = 33°C, hot well temperature = 29°C, inlet temperature of w-16
cooling water = 9°C, outlet temperature of cooling water = 26.5°C.
Calculate (i) corrected vacuum to standard barometer, (ii) vacuum efficiency, (iii)
under-cooling of the condensate, and (iv) condenser efficiency.
Solved Questions
1. Define critical pressure.
Derive 𝑃2/𝑃1= (2/𝑛+1)n/n-1 ; where P2 is throat pressure, P1 is inlet pressure and n is the index
of isentropic expansion of steam through the nozzle. OR
Derive equation of critical pressure ratio of nozzle and explain its significance. Calculate its
value for superheated steam.

Ans.
2. Derive the condition and then equation of maximum discharge through the nozzle, also write
maximum discharge for different condition of steam. OR
Derive equation of maximum discharge through a nozzle or critical pressure ratio.

Ans.
3. Define the term nozzle and diffuser. Also state its applications.

Ans.

A nozzle is often a pipe or tube of varying cross sectional area, and it can be used to direct or
modify the flow of a fluid (liquid or gas). Nozzles are frequently used to control the rate of flow,
speed, direction, mass, shape, and/or the pressure of the stream that emerges from them. In a
nozzle, the velocity of fluid increases or decrease at the expense of its pressure energy

Its major function is to produce steam jet with high velocity to drive steam turbines.

Application of Nozzle:

Ø To produce high velocity jet to impinge on curved blade of driving turbine shaft.
Ø Jet engines to produce thrust.
Ø Rocket motors to produce thrust.
Ø Artificial Fountains.
Ø Flow measurements.
Ø Injectors for pumping feed water.
Ø Ejectors for removing air from condensers.
Ø Fire hose to produce

A diffuser is a device that increases the pressure of a fluid at the expense of its velocity drop.

Application of Diffuser:

Ø Heating
Ø Ventilating
Ø Air-conditioning
Ø HVAC system
4. Derive the expression for the velocity in terms of enthalpy drop for a flow through the nozzle.

Ans.
5. Derive expression for mass flow rate of steam through nozzle.

Ans.
6. Explain friction in Nozzle during steam flow.

Ans.

When steam flows through a nozzle the final velocity of steam for given pressure drop is reduced
due to following reason.

Ø The friction between the nozzle surface and steam.

Ø The internal friction of steam itself.
Ø The shock losses.

The convergent portion of nozzle is smaller than the divergent portion. Thus, the wall friction is
small in the convergent portion as compared to divergent portion.

The fluid friction is also small in convergent portion than in the divergent portion, since the fluid
velocity in the convergent portion is small.

Thus, most of the friction occurs in the divergent portion of the nozzle and h-s diagram plot as
shown in following figure.
 These frictional losses entail the following effects:

Ø The expansion is no more isentropic and the enthalpy and entropy of steam increasing
during the process.
Ø The final dryness fraction of steam is increased as the kinetic energy gets converted into
heat due to friction and is absorbed by steam.
Ø The specific volume of steam increased as the steam becomes drier due to this frictional
reheating.
Ø Exit velocity is reduced as the kinetic energy gets converted into heat due to friction.
Ø Mass flow rate is decreased.
7. Steam is expanded in nozzle from 15 bar and 350 0C to 1 bar. Find the throat and exit area if
flow rate is 1 kg/sec. What should be coefficient of velocity if exit velocity is 1150 m/sec?

Ans.
8. The pressure and temperature of steam entering the nozzle are 12 bar and 200 0C and steam
leave the nozzle at 1 bar. The diameter of the nozzle at throat is 10 mm. Calculate the mass
flow rate of steam in a nozzle and which type of nozzle is required?

Ans.
9. A nozzle expands steam from 12 bar and 250°C to 6 bar. Is the nozzle convergent or divergent?
Neglecting the initial velocity, find the minimum area of the nozzles to flow 2 kg/s of steam
under the given conditions. Assume the expansion of steam isentropic. Calculate the actual
throat area if the coefficient of discharge is 0.98.

Ans.
10. Explain pressure-velocity compounding of impulse turbine with diagram. OR
Describe the term, “compounding of steam turbine” and explain Pressure-Velocity
compounded impulse turbine with necessary diagrams.

Ans.

Compounding is the method for reducing the rotational speed of the impulse turbine to practical
limits. As we have seen, if the high velocity steam is allowed to flow through one row moving
blades, it produces a rotor speed of about 30,000 RPM which is too high for practical use. It is
therefore essential to incorporate some improvements in Impulse turbine for practical use and
also to achieve high performance.

This is possible by making use of more than one set of nozzles, blades, rotors in a series, keyed to
common shaft, so that either the steam pressure or the jet of velocity is absorbed by the turbine
in stages.

The leaving loss also will then be less. This process is called compounding of steam turbines.
This type of turbine is a combination of pressure and velocity compounding and is shown
diagrammatically in Fig. The arrangement shown here is only for two rotors. There are two wheels
or rotors and on each, only two rows of moving blades are attached because two row wheels are
more efficient than three row wheel. In each wheel or rotor, velocity drops i.e. drop in velocity is
achieved by many rows of moving blades hence it is velocity compounded. There are two set of
nozzles in which whole pressure drop takes place i.e. whole pressure drop has been divided in
small drops, hence it is pressure compounded.

In the first set of nozzles, there is some decrease in pressure which gives some kinetic energy to
the steam and there is no drop in pressure in the two rows of moving blades of the first wheel
and in the first row of fixed blades. Only there is a velocity drop in moving blades through there
is also a slight drop in velocity due to friction in the fixed blades. In second set of nozzles, the
remaining pressure drop takes place but the velocity here increases and the drop in velocity takes
place in the moving blades of the second wheel or rotor.

Compared to the pressure-compounded impulse turbine this arrangement was more popular due
to its simple construction. However, it is very rarely used now due to its low efficiency.
11. Define blade efficiency and derive an expression for maximum blade efficiency for single stage
impulse steam turbine.

Ans.

Blade efficiency: It is also called diagram efficiency. It is the ratio of the workdone on the blades
to the energy supplied to the blades.

The combined velocity diagram for an axial flow impulse turbine is as shown in figure.

Energy transfer for an axial flow turbine,

𝑒 = 𝑤 = 𝑈Δ𝑉! = 𝑈(𝑉!" + 𝑉!# )
From velocity diagram, 𝑉!" + 𝑉!# = 𝑥" + 𝑈 + 𝑥# − 𝑈 = 𝑥" + 𝑥#
Or, 𝑉!" + 𝑉!# = 𝑉$" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽" + 𝑉$# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝑉$# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝑉!" + 𝑉!# = 𝑉$" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽" 11 + 3 = 𝑥" 11 + 𝐶% 3
𝑉$" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"
&
Where, 𝐶% = &%& , blade velocity coefficient
%'

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝑉!" + 𝑉!# = (𝑉!" − 𝑈) 11 + 𝐶% 3 = (𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝑈) 11 + 𝐶% 3
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"
Then,
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝑤 = 𝑈(𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝑈) 11 + 𝐶% 3
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"
Blade or rotor efficiency is given by,
𝑤 𝑈(𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝑈) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝜂% = = 11 + 𝐶% 3
𝑒' 1 # 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽
2 𝑉"
"
 𝑈 𝑈# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
𝜂% = 2 8 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − # 9 11 + 𝐶% 3
𝑉" 𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"

𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜷𝟐
𝜼𝒃 = 𝟐(𝝋𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜶𝟏 − 𝝋𝟐 ) 1𝟏 + 𝑪𝒃 3
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜷𝟏
+
Where, 𝜑 = & , blade speed ratio
'

The variation of blade efficiency vs. speed ratio is shown in figure.

The slope for maximum blade efficiency is,
𝑑𝜂%
=0
𝑑𝜑
𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
G2(𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ) 11 + 𝐶% 3H = 0
𝑑𝜑 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽#
2(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 2𝜑) 11 + 𝐶% 3=0
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽"
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜶𝟏
𝝋𝒐𝒑𝒕 =
𝟐
The optimum speed ratio is the speed ratio at which the blade efficiency is the maximum.
12. State and explain losses in steam turbine.

Ans.

The energy contained in steam supplied to the steam turbine is not completely converted into
mechanical energy. This is due to various losses which occur inside and outside of the turbine. All
losses in an actual turbine are divided into two categories.

1. Internal losses
2. External losses
1. Internal losses:

These losses are connected with steam conditions while steam flows through the turbine. These
losses include,

Ø Losses in regulating valves

Ø Nozzle or fixed blade losses
Ø Moving blade losses
Ø Disc friction losses
Ø Blade windage or partial admission losses
Ø Gland leakage and clearance losses
Ø Carry-over losses
Ø Residual or leaving velocity losses
Ø Losses due to moisture
Ø Radiation and convection losses

Losses in regulating valves:

The Steam produced in the boiler has to flow through the stop and regulating valves before
entering to the steam turbine. As shown in Fig., at these valves the steam gets throttled and hence
the pressure of steam at entry to the turbine is less than the boiler pressure. The isentropic heat
drop decreases from (∆ℎ)𝑛 to (∆ℎʹ)𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑛 as shown in the Fig above. The loss of available energy is
equal to

(∆ℎ)𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑒 = (∆ℎ)𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑛 − (∆ℎʹ)𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑛

Nozzle or fixed blade losses:

This loss is due to friction between steam and nozzle wall surface, viscous friction between fluid
particles, deflection of the flow, growth of the boundary layer and formation of eddies. Since
losses produce heat, the heat content of steam at nozzle outlet will be more than the theoretical
value. Thus, the actual heat drop in the nozzle be less than theoretical value resulting in reduction
in velocity at nozzle outlet.
 Moving blade Losses:

It is due to,

(i) Impingement losses: Steam which leaves the nozzle meets the leading edge of
the moving blades. Energy may be lost if entry is not smooth resulting in
formation of eddies.
(ii) Blade friction losses: Steam encounters these losses in the blade passages which
depends on the roughness of the blade surface.
(iii) Wake or trailing edge losses: Steam jets leaves the nozzles and before entering
moving blades mix with each other and form a homogenous flow. This mixing
causes formation of eddies and there is loss due to turbulence. These losses are
known as wake or trailing edge losses.
(iv) Turning losses: These losses occur as the steam turns in the blade passages.
(v) Leakage through the annular space: steam leaks through annular space between
nozzle and shrouding attached to the moving blades without doing work on
moving blades.
(vi) Losses due to shrouding: Due to shrouding height of moving blades is larger than
nozzle height. This result in thickening of boundary layer and increase in losses.
2. External Losses:

These losses do not affect the steam conditions while steam flows through the turbine. These
losses include Mechanical losses and losses due to end leakage. Mechanical losses are caused due
to the friction losses in the bearing of turbine shaft. There is leakage loss of steam from two ends
of the turbine where the turbine shaft projects out from the turbine casing. Labyrinth packing are
provided at ends to prevent the leakage.

13. What is compounding of steam turbines and why it is essential? OR

Explain compounding of steam turbines.

Ans.

Compounding is the method for reducing the rotational speed of the impulse turbine to practical
limits. As we have seen, if the high velocity steam is allowed to flow through one row moving
blades, it produces a rotor speed of about 30,000 RPM which is too high for practical use. It is
therefore essential to incorporate some improvements in Impulse turbine for practical use and
also to achieve high performance.

This is possible by making use of more than one set of nozzles, blades, rotors in a series, keyed to
common shaft, so that either the steam pressure or the jet of velocity is absorbed by the turbine
in stages.

The leaving loss also will then be less. This process is called compounding of steam turbines. There
are three main types.

a) Pressure-compounded impulse turbine

b) Velocity-compounded impulse turbine
c) Pressure and velocity compounded impulse turbine
14. Classify steam turbines.

Ans.

1. On the basis of the principle of operation

Impulse Turbine: If the flow of steam through the nozzles and moving blade of a turbine takes
place in such a manner that the steam is expanded only in nozzles and pressure at the outlet sides
of the blades is equal to that at inlet side”

Impulse-Reaction Turbine: In this turbine, the drop in pressure of steam takes place in fixed
(nozzles) as well as moving blades.

2. On the basis of Direction of flow

Axial Flow Turbine: In axial flow turbine, the steam flows along the axis of the shaft.

Radial Flow Turbine: In this turbine, the steam flows in the radial direction.

Tangential Flow Turbine: In this type, the steam flows in the tangential direction.

3. On the basis of Means of Heat Supply

Single Pressure turbine: In this type of turbine, there is single source of steam supply.

Mixed or Dual Pressure turbine: This type of turbine, use two source of steam at different
pressure. The dual pressure turbine is found in nuclear power stations where it uses both sources
continuously.

Reheated turbine: During its passage through the turbine steam may be taken out to be reheated
in a reheater incorporated in the boiler and returned at higher temperature to be expanded.

4. On the basis of Means of Heat Rejection

Pass-out Turbine: In this turbine, a considerable proportion of the steam is extracted from some
suitable point in the turbine where the pressure is sufficient for use in process heating; the
remainder continuing through the turbine.

Regenerative Turbine: This turbine incorporates a number of extraction branches, through which
small proportions of the steam are continuously extracted for the purpose of heating the boiler
feed water in a feed heater in order to increase the thermal efficiency of the plant

Condensing Turbine: In this turbine, the exhaust steam is condensed in a condenser and the
condensate is used as feed water in the boiler.

Non-Condensing Turbine: When the exhaust steam coming out from the turbine is not condensed
but exhausted in the atmosphere is called non-condensing turbine. Back Pressure or Topping
Turbine: This type of turbine rejects the steam after expansion to the lowest suitable possible
pressure at which it is used for heating purpose. Thus back pressure turbine supplies power as
well as heat energy.
 5. On the basis of Number of Cylinder

Single Cylinder: - When all stages of turbine are housed in one casing,

Multi-Cylinder: - In large output turbine, the number of the stages needed becomes so high that
additional bearing are required to support the shaft.

6. On the basis of arrangement of Cylinder Based on General Flow of Steam

Single Flow. In a single flow turbines, the steam enters at one end, flows once through the blading
in a direction approximately parallel to this axis,

Double Flow. In this type of turbines, the steam enters at the Centre and divides, the two portions
passing axially away from other through separate sets of blading on the same rotor.

7. On the Basis of Number of Shaft

Tandem Compound. Most multi-cylinder turbines drive a single shaft and single generator.

Cross Compound. In this type, two shafts are used driving separate generator. The reason may be
one of turbine house arrangement, limited generator size, or a desire to run the hp. Shafting at
half speed.

15. Explain the principle of operation of steam turbine.

Ans.

Steam turbine is one of the most important prime mover for generating electricity. This falls under
the category of power producing turbo machines. In the turbine, the energy level of the working
fluid goes on decreasing along the flow stream.

The principle of the operation of steam turbine is entirely different from the steam engine. In
reciprocating steam engine, the pressure energy of steam is used to overcome external resistance
and the dynamic action of steam is negligibly small. But the steam turbine depends completely
upon the dynamic action of the steam. According to Newton’s Second law of Motion, the force is
proportional to the rate of change of momentum (mass X velocity). If the rate of change of
momentum is caused in the steam by allowing a high velocity jet of steam to pass over curved
blade, the steam will impart a force to the blade. If the blade is free, it will move off (rotate) in
the direction of force as shown in fig.
 In other words, the motion power in a steam turbine is obtained by the rate of change in moment
of momentum of a high velocity jet of steam impinging on a curved blade which is free to rotate.

The steam from the boiler is expanded in a passage or nozzle where due to fall in pressure of
steam, thermal energy of steam is converted into kinetic energy of steam, resulting in the
emission of a high velocity jet of steam which impinges on the moving vanes or blades attached
on a rotor which is mounted on a shaft supported on bearings.

16. Explain the working principle of plain Labyrinth glands used in steam turbine.

Ans.

Fig. shows plain form of labyrinth gland in which shaft is plain and it consists of number of rings
arranged in series. There is a fine clearance or restriction between ring and rotating shaft.

There are number of restrictions and each restriction is followed by an expansion chamber. When
the steam passes through the restriction and enters the expansion chamber, throttling process
occurs. This results in increase in velocity and reduction in pressure, hence kinetic energy is
developed. When the steam enters the expansion chamber, the kinetic energy is converted by
turbulence into heat with no recovery of pressure energy. I.e. pressure falls progressively when
the steam passes through restrictions resulting in reduction in leakage of steam or air. When the
turbine is under vacuum, through the outlet of low pressure turbine, the atmospheric air may
enter the turbine which is known as air ingress. To stop air ingress, steam is supplied between the
rings some of which flows outwards and rest inwards, thus a seal is created and the ingress of air
is prevented.

17. What is compounding? Explain working principle of pressure compounding with neat sketch.

Ans.

Compounding is the method for reducing the rotational speed of the impulse turbine to practical
limits. As we have seen, if the high velocity steam is allowed to flow through one row moving
blades, it produces a rotor speed of about 30,000 RPM which is too high for practical use. It is
therefore essential to incorporate some improvements in Impulse turbine for practical use and
also to achieve high performance.
This is possible by making use of more than one set of nozzles, blades, rotors in a series, keyed to
common shaft, so that either the steam pressure or the jet of velocity is absorbed by the turbine
in stages.

The leaving loss also will then be less. This process is called compounding of steam turbines.

Pressure-compounded impulse turbine:

In this type of turbine, the compounding is done for pressure of steam only i.e. to reduce high
rotational speed of turbine the whole expansion of steam is arranged in a number of steps by
employing a number of simple impulse turbine in a series keyed on the same shaft as shown in
figure. Each of these simple impulse turbines consisting of one set of nozzles and one row of
moving blades is known as a stage of turbine and thus this turbine consists of several stages.

The exhaust from each row of moving blades enters the succeeding set of nozzles. Thus we can
say that this arrangement is nothing but splitting up the whole pressure drop from steam chest
pressure to the condenser pressure into a series of smaller pressure drop across several stages of
impulse turbine. Hence this turbine is called pressure compound impulse turbine.
18. Differentiate between throttle governing and nozzle control governing.

Ans.

Throttle control governing:

The object of throttle governing is to throttle the steam to a suitable pressure and reduce the
steam flow (i.e. to allow required quantity of steam to flow) through the turbine blading whenever
there is a reduction of load compared to economic or design load for maintaining the speed of
the turbine.

The relay system consists of a pilot valve and a servomotor. Under normal operation, piston of
servomotor occupies a position midway between its path in which both the inlet and exit ports of
the pilot valve connecting it to the servomotor are closed.

Any displacement of sleeve of centrifugal governor due to change in electrical load causes a
displacement of the pilot valve. According to the displacement, the oil under pressure from the
oil pump enters either upper or lower half of the chamber of servomotor.

If oil enters the upper half portion of servomotor, the throttle valve starts closing reducing the
quantity of steam flowing through the turbine thus reducing the power output of turbine till the
speed is maintained fairly near nominal value. At the same time oil from bottom half of
servomotor starts flowing out through the pilot valve port to drain. If oil under pressure enters
the lower half chamber of servomotor, an exactly opposite process is affected opening the
throttle valve till the speed is maintained.
Throttling of incoming steam effects the work delivered to the shaft in two ways-a reduction of
rate of flow and a decrease of energy conversion per kg of steam.

Nozzle control governing:

In the nozzle control governing, the nozzles of the turbines are grouped in two, three or more
groups, and each group of nozzles is fed with steam controlled by valves. Arrangement of valves
and group of nozzles are employed. Whatever arrangement is employed, the nozzle control is
necessarily restricted to the first stage of the turbine, the nozzle areas in the other stages
remaining constant.

If the condition of steam of the steam at inlet to the second stage is not materially affected by the
changed condition in the first stage, the absolute pressure of steam in front of the second stage
nozzles will be directly proportional to the rate of steam flow through the turbine.

Fig. (a) Shows an arrangement often employed in large steam turbines and turbines using high
pressure steam. Here, the nozzles are divided into three groups N1, N2 and N3 under the control
of three valves V1, V2 and V3 respectively. The number of nozzle groups may vary from three to
five or more.

Fig. (b) shows an another type of arrangement and it differs from Fig (a) in that nozzle control
valves are arranged in a casting forming part of casing and containing passages leading to the
individual nozzle groups. Here, four group of nozzles and four valves are shown. In this case, the
nozzles are confined to the upper half of the casing and so the arc of admission is limited to 180˚C
or less. The number of nozzles group may vary from 4 to 12.

Fig. shows (c) In this arrangement four groups of nozzles N1 is under the control of the valve V1,
through which all the steam entering the turbine passes and further admission of steam is through
the valves V2, V3, etc. in turn.
19. Give comparison of Impulse and Reaction Turbine.

Ans.

Impulse Turbine Reaction Turbine

ü Complete expansion of the steam take place ü Partial expansion of the steam takes place
in the nozzle, hence steam is ejected with in the fixed blade (acts as nozzle) and
very high kinetic energy. further expansion takes place in the rotor
blades.
ü Blades are symmetrical in shape. ü Blades are non-symmetrical in shape, i.e.
aerofoil section.
ü Pressure remains constant between the ends ü Pressure drops from inlet to outlet of the
of the moving blade. Hence relative moving blade. Hence relative velocity
velocity remains constant i.e., 𝑉$" = 𝑉$# increases from inlet to outlet i.e., 𝑉$# > 𝑉$"
ü Steam velocity at the inlet of machine is ü Steam velocity at the inlet of machine is
very high, hence needs compounding. moderate or low, hence doesn’t need
compounding.
ü Blade efficiency is comparatively low. ü Blade efficiency is high.
ü Few number of stages required for given ü More number of stages required for given
pressure drop or power output, hence pressure drop or power output, hence
machine is compact. machine is bulky.
ü Used for small power generation. ü Used for medium and large power
generation.
ü Suitable, where the efficiency is not a ü Suitable, where the efficiency is a matter of
matter of fact. fact.

20. Define the term “Degree of Reaction”. Derive condition of maximum blade efficiency in case
of 50% reaction turbine.

Ans.

The degree of reaction of a reaction turbine is defined as the ratio of enthalpy drop in moving
blades to the total enthalpy drop in a stage. It is denoted as R.
Mathematically,
!"#$%&'( *+,' -" .,/-"0 1&%*23(∆$.)
R=
!"#$%&'( *+,' -" .,/-"0 1&%*23 7 !"#$%&'( *+,' -" 8-92* 1&%*23 (∆$8)

For Parson’s (axial flow 50% reaction) turbine, α1=β2 and α2=β1 and also V1=Vr2 and
V2=Vr1, then the velocity triangles are symmetric (refer figure 6.9).
Work done by Parson’s turbine,
𝑤 = 𝑈∆𝑉! = 𝑈(𝑉!" + 𝑉!# )
From velocity diagram,
𝑤 = 𝑈(𝑉!" + 𝑥# − 𝑈) = 𝑈(𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" + 𝑉$# 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽# − 𝑈)
But, α1=β2 and V1=Vr2
Then, 𝑤 = 𝑈(𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" + 𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝑈) = 2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝑈 #
Or,
2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" 𝑈 #
𝑤 = 𝑉"# K − #L
𝑉"# 𝑉"
+
But, blade speed ratio 𝜑 = &
'

𝑤 = 𝑉"# [2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
For reaction turbine energy available at rotor inlet,
1 1 #
𝑒' = 𝑉"# − (𝑉$" #
− 𝑉$# )
2 2

But V1=Vr2,
 #
1 # 1 # # #
𝑉$"
𝑒' = 𝑉" − (𝑉$" − 𝑉" ) = 𝑉" −
2 2 2
From velocity diagram,
#
𝑉$" = 𝑉"# + 𝑈 # − 2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" (By cosine rule)
Then,
1
𝑒' = 𝑉"# − [𝑉"# + 𝑈 # − 2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" ]
2
1 # #
𝑉"# 2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" 𝑈 #
𝑒' = [𝑉" + 2𝑈𝑉" 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" −𝑈 ] = K1 + − #L
2 2 𝑉"# 𝑉"
+
But, blade speed ratio 𝜑 = &
'

𝑉"#
𝑒' = [1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
2
Blade efficiency of reaction turbine,
𝑤 𝑉"# [2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
𝜂% = = #
𝑒' 𝑉"
[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
2
2[2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
𝜂% =
[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
Or,
2[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ] − 2
𝜂% =
[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
2
𝜂% = 2 − = 2 − 2[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]/"
[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]
The slope for maximum blade efficiency is (refer figure 6.7),
𝑑𝜂%
=0
𝑑𝜑
𝑑
{2 − 2[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]/" } = 0
𝑑𝜑
2[1 + 2𝜑𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 𝜑 # ]/# [2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 2𝜑] = 0
[2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" − 2𝜑] = 0
𝜑012 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼"
When,𝜑 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼" , the blade efficiency is the maximum, therefore
 2[2𝑐𝑜𝑠 # 𝛼" − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 # 𝛼" ]
𝜂%,4'5 =
[1 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 # 𝛼" − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 # 𝛼" ]
𝟐𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 𝜶𝟏
𝜼𝒃,𝒎𝒂𝒙 =
𝟏 + 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 𝜶𝟏

21. Steam issues from the nozzles of a De Laval turbine with a velocity of 1400 m/s. The nozzle angle
is 150, the mean blade velocity is 450 m/s and the inlet and outlet angle of blade are equal. The
mass of steam flowing through turbine per hour is 100 kg. Determine: (i) the blade angles, (ii)
the relative velocity of steam entering the blades, (iii) the tangential force on the blades, (iv)
the power developed, (v) the blade efficiency. Assume that K = 0.8.

Ans.
22. The data refer to a stage of Parson’s reaction turbine:
The mean diameter of blade ring is 800 mm. Running speed is 3000 rpm. The steam velocity at
exit from fixed blades is 180 m/s. Blade outlet angle is 16°. Steam flow rate through blades is
10 kg per second.
Draw the velocity diagram and find:
(i) Blade inlet angle
(ii) Tangential force on the ring of moving blades.
(iii) Power developed in the stage.
(iv) The maximum blade efficiency.

Ans.
23. Define Fill, Drift and cooling efficiency of cooling tower. Explain the methods for obtaining
maximum vacuum in condenser.

Ans.

Fill:

Fill, or wet deck or surface, is a medium used in cooling towers to increase the surface
area of the tower. Increased surface area allows for maximum contact between the air and the
water, which allows for greater evaporation rates.

Drift:

Drift is fine water droplets entrained and carried by the air. This water is thus lost to the
circulating water system. Drift eliminators are provided at exit to minimize the drift loss.

Cooling efficiency:

The cooling efficiency is defined as the ratio of the actual cooling of water to the
maximum possible cooling of water.

Methods for obtaining maximum vacuum in condenser:

The various methods for obtaining maximum vacuum in condensers used in modern steam power
plants are mentioned below:

(1) Air pump:

The air pump is used to maintain the desired vacuum in the condenser by extracting the air and
other non-condensable gases. They are classified as:

Wet air pump: It removes both air and condensate as well as non-condensable gases. Dry air
pump: It removes only air and other non-condensable gases.
 (2) Steam air ejector:

The wet air pump uses the steam air ejector to remove the air from the mixture. Figure shows
schematic arrangement of steam air ejector.

It consists of convergent-divergent nozzle and a diffuser. High pressure steam from the boiler
enters the nozzle at ‘A’, where its kinetic energy increases and pressure reduces. Pipe ‘C’ is
connected to the condenser from where moist air is sucked by the low pressure steam at location
B.

The momentum of the steam jet carries the mixture of steam and air into the diffuser where its
velocity decreases and pressure increases by the time it leaves the diffuser. Fig. shows only one
ejector, but if more than one ejector are used, very low pressure can be obtained in the
condenser.

Steam ejector is simple in construction, cheap, highly efficient and without any moving parts. They
are suitable for large power plants where high condenser vacuum is required.

(3) De-aerated feed water:

De-aeration is the process of removal of non-condensable gases from feed water. It helps both in
maintaining better vacuum in the condenser and controlling corrosion of the steel shell and piping
of the steam power plant.

(4) Air tight joints:

The joints of steam power plant can be made air tight by the use of suitable packing materials at
the joints of piping. These joints should be periodically inspected.

24. Explain following terms pertaining to cooling tower: Drift, Approach, Range and Cooling
efficiency of cooling tower.

Ans.

Drift:

Drift is fine water droplets entrained and carried by the air. This water is thus lost to the
circulating water system. Drift eliminators are provided at exit to minimize the drift loss.
 Approach:

It is defined as the difference between the exit temperature of cooling water from cooling
tower and wet bulb temperature of the ambient air.

Range:

It is defined as the difference in temperature of the incoming warm water and exiting
cooled water from cooling tower.

Cooling efficiency:

The cooling efficiency is defined as the ratio of the actual cooling of water to the maximum
possible cooling of water.

25. How the Dalton’s law of partial pressure can be applied to condenser application?

Ans.

The law states that the total pressure exerted by a non-reactive mixture of gases or a
mixture of gas and vapor is equal to the sum of partial pressure of the individual constituents of
the mixture at the same temperature (T).

The partial pressure of each constituent of the mixture is the pressure exerted by the constituent
taken separately in the same volume (V) of the vessel as that of mixture and at the same
temperature.

This is explained by taking the following example as shown in Figure.

The total pressure (Pt) in the condenser or vessel is the sum of the partial pressures of steam (Ps)
and air (Pa).
According to Dalton’s law of partial pressure,
Pt = Ps + Pa
or Pa = Pt – Ps
 The vacuum gauge reads the total pressure in the condenser, i.e., Pt. The steam pressure Ps can
be known from the steam table corresponding to condenser temperature. As Pt and Ps are known
thus Pa can be determined.
26. Write short note on surface condenser.

Ans.

In surface condenser or non-mixing type of condenser, steam and cooling water do not come in
direct contact with each other. The cooling water passes through the number of tubes attached
to condenser shell and steam surrounds the tubes. These types of condensers are universally
used in all high capacity modem steam power plants as the condensate coming out from the
condenser is used as feed for the boiler.

Types of surface condenser:

1. Down flow condenser

2. Central flow condenser
3. Inverted flow condenser
4. Regenerative flow condenser
5. Evaporative condenser
27. Explain down flow surface condenser.

Ans.

Figure shows a sectional view of a down flow condenser. The exhaust team enters at the top and
flows downwards over the tubes through which the cooling water is flowing. The exhaust steam
as a result is condensed and the condensate is extracted from the bottom by the condensate
extraction pump.

The cooling water enters at one end of the tubes situated in the lower half of the condenser and
after flowing of the other end returns in the opposite direction through the tubes situated in the
upper half of the condenser. The temperature of condensate, therefore, decreases as the exhaust
steam passes downwards, and hence partial pressure of steam decreases from top to bottom of
the condenser.

The air exit is shielded from the downstream of the condensate by means of a baffle plate, and
thus air is extracted with only a comparatively small amount of water vapour. As the air passes
 downwards, it is progressively cooled and becomes denser (partial pressure of air increases) and
hence it is extracted from the lowest convenient point. In a condenser of this type, therefore, the
partial pressure of steam decreases, the partial pressure of air correspondingly increases, as the
mixture passes from top to the bottom of the condenser.

The result of all these effects is that the condensate temperature falls below the exhaust steam
temperature which enters at the top. Thus, by cooling the air, the capacity of the air pump is
considerably reduced.

28. What are the sources of air leakage in a condenser?

Ans.

The main sources of air through which air may enter into the condenser are,

1. The feed water contains dissolved air which is liberated in the boiler when the steam is formed.
This dissolved air is carried along with the steam into the condenser.

2. Air leaks through the joints, packings and glands into the condenser as the pressure inside the
condenser is less than atmospheric pressure.

3. In jet condensers, air dissolved in water is also carried to condenser. This dissolved air gets
liberated in condenser at low pressure.

Usually the quantity of air leakage in surface condensers is around 0.05 percent of the steam
condensed.

29. Give comparison between jet and surface condenser.

Ans.
30. In a condenser, vacuum reads 716 mm of Hg while barometer reads 756 mm of Hg. The
temperature of condensate is 25 0C. Determine (i) The pressure of the steam and air (ii) Mass of
air per kg of steam (iii) The vacuum efficiency.

Ans.
31. What is the necessity of cooling tower in a steam power plant?

Ans.

The cooling towers are very useful when there is scarcity of both the water and the land. It is an
artificial device by which the hot water coming out of the condenser is cooled effectively. By using
cooling towers the cooling water requirement is reduced and only makeup water is to be supplied.
The principle of cooling the water is similar to that of the evaporative condenser. Some water
about 1% goes into air in the form of water vapor by absorbing its latent heat of vaporization from
the remaining water and thus causes the reduction in the water temperature. The cooling towers
reduce the cooling water demand about 75 times but it is achieved at the expense of large capital,
land, and operational costs. The types of cooling towers on the basis of the draught (method of
air circulation) are:

(i) Natural draught cooling towers

(ii) Mechanical draught cooling towers: (a) Forced draught cooling towers, and

(b) Induced draught cooling towers.

32. Define following term: 1) Vacuum efficiency 2) Condenser efficiency

Ans.

Vacuum efficiency:

The vacuum efficiency is defined as the ratio of actual vacuum recorded by the vacuum gauge to
the ideal vacuum.

Condenser efficiency:

In an ideal condenser the steam should give only its latent heat to the circulating water so that
temperature of the condensate becomes equal to the saturation temperature corresponding to
the condenser pressure. It means there should be no undercooling of the condensate. Maximum
temperature to which the cooling water can be raised is the condensate temperature. The
condenser efficiency is then defined as the ratio of actual rise in the temperature of the cooling
water to the maximum possible rise.
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-2 (CO-3)
Solved Questions
Chapter: 2 High Pressure Boilers
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 State desirable to control the super heat temperature. Explain desuperheater W-16, 04
method. OR S-19
List the different methods used to control the superheat temperature of steam and
explain any one method in details.
2 Explain in brief water circulation methods in boilers with neat sketch. S-18 04
3 Describe the unique features of high pressure boilers in brief. S-18 03
4 Explain constructional difference between Low pressure and High pressure boiler. W-19 04
5 Draw a line diagram of a Benson boiler. State the main difficulties experienced in the S-17, 07
La Mont boiler and how it is prevented? OR S-19
Explain with neat sketch construction and working Benson boiler and state its
advantages.
6 Name two indirectly heated high pressure boilers and explain construction and W-18 07
working of any one of them.
7 Explain with neat sketch construction and working Super-charged boiler and state its 07
advantages and disadvantages.
Chapter: 3 Coal and Ash Handling Systems
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
8 Explain working of Bowl pulverizing mill with neat sketch. OR W-16, 07
Explain Bowl Mill with neat sketch. W-17,
W-19
9 Explain Unit pulverized coal handling system with neat sketch. W-16, 04
W-18
10 Discuss requirements of oil burners. With neat sketch explain long flame, turbulent S-17 07
burners and tangential Burners.
11 Enumerate different types of Ash handling system. Explain Pneumatic ash handling S-17 07
system with advantages and disadvantages.
12 Discuss In-plant coal handling system. W-17 04
13 Explain the statement: - “Coal handling system is called lifeline of the coal fired power S-18 03
plants”.
14 What are the requirements of a good ash handling plant? W-18, 04
S-19,
W-19
15 Explain pulverized coal system and state its merits and demerits. S-18, 07
S-19
16 Explain cyclone burner with neat diagram. W-18 07
17 Write a short note on electrostatic precipitator. W-18, 07
S-19
18 State the requirements of pulverized coal burners. S-19 04
19 Write a short note on mechanical dust collector. 07
20 Write a short note on Mechanical ash handling system. 04
Chapter: 8 Feed Water Treatment
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
21 Explain Zeolite ion exchange process for feed water treatment plant. OR W-16, 07
Explain Zeolite ion exchange process used in thermal power plant for water S-17,
treatment. OR S-18,
Write a short note on Zeolite ion exchange process. OR W-18,
Describe working of hot sodium zeolite process with neat sketch and chemical S-19
reactions. List advantages and disadvantages over ion exchange system.
22 Why feed water treatment is essential in power plants? OR W-17, 04
Explain the necessity of feed water treatment. S-18
23 Discuss various methods of water treatment. W-17 07
24 Explain reverse osmosis process. W-19 03
25 Explain Sea water treatment using Reverse Osmosis. 07
26 Explain Hot Lime soda Process with neat sketch. 07
27 Explain pH & its role in corrosion. W-19, 04
S-19
28 What are the different impurities found in feed water? Also explain about its effects. 07
Chapter: 4 Draught System
29 Advantages of Mechanical draught over Natural draught. W-17, 03
S-19
30 With a neat diagram explain balanced draught. W-18 04
31 Derive an expression for maximum discharge through a chimney. OR S-17, 07
With usual notations derive an expression of estimation of height of chimney and W-17,
condition of maximum discharge. OR W-19
Prove the following:
Maximum discharge through chimney occurs when Tg/Ta=2(Ma+1)/Ma
Where Tg and Ta are gas and air temperature respectively and ma is mass of air.
32 Draught produced by chimney is 2 cm of water column. Temperature of flue gas is W-13 04
300 0C and ambient temperature is 33 0C. The flue gases formed per kg of fuel burnt
is 24 kg. Neglect the losses and take the diameter of chimney as 1.75 m.
Calculate: (i) Height of chimney in m and (ii) Mass of flue gases flowing through the
chimney in kg/min.
33 Explain the term, “Boiler Draught”. Also state the classification of boiler draught. S-18 04
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-2
Unsolved Questions
Chapter: 2 High Pressure Boilers
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 What is sub-critical and super critical boiler? S-18 03
2 Explain with neat sketch, construction and working of La Mont Boiler. 07
3 Explain working of Schmidt-Hartmann boiler with neat sketch. W-16 07
4 Discuss FBC. Explain CFBC with neat sketch. State the advantages and disadvantages W-17, 07
of pressurized fluidized bed combustion boiler. W-18,
S-19
Chapter: 3 Coal and Ash Handling Systems
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
5 Explain different modes of out-plant handling of coal. S-18 07
6 What are the requirements of a good coal handling plant? W-17 04
7 Explain Bowl and race Mill with neat sketch. S-13 07
8 Explain steam jet ash handling system and state its merits and demerits. W-10 04
9 Explain belt conveyors with neat sketch and state its merits and demerits. 07
10 What is dead storage of coal? Explain different methods of it. 07
Chapter: 8 Feed Water Treatment
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
11 Explain Zeolite ion exchange process for feed water treatment plant. W-16, 07
S-17,
S-18,
W-18,
S-19
12 Explain the terms “Priming and Foaming” in feed water. S-11 04
13 What is blow down? Why is it needed? 04
14 Explain the necessity of feed water treatment. W-17, 04
S-18
Chapter: 4 Draught System
15 Distinguish between forced draught and induced draught. W-16, 04
W-18
16 With a neat diagram explain natural draught and state its advantages and
disadvantages.
17 Determine height and diameter of chimney to produce static draught of 18 mm of
water column if mean flue gas temperature and flow rate are 300 0C and 2100 kg/min
respectively, the atmospheric air temperature is 25 0C. The gas constant for air is 287
KJ/ Kg K. and for flue gas 250 KJ/Kg K. Assume no loss of draught in chimney and
barometer reading is 760 mm of mercury.
 Solved Questions
1. State desirable to control the super heat temperature. Explain desuperheater method. OR
List the different methods used to control the superheat temperature of steam and explain any
one method in details.

Ans:

A reduction in steam temperature results in loss in plant efficiency. On other hand, a rise in steam
temperature above design value may result in overheating and failure of superheater tubes,
reheater tubes and turbine blades. Hence an accurate control of superheat temperature is
important for efficient power plant operation. The main variable affecting superheat temperature
are as furnace temperature, mass flow rate of flue gases, cleanliness of heating surfaces and
variation of load on the plant. Out of these effect of load variation on superheat temperature is
most important.

Method of superheat control:

1. Combined radiant-convective superheaters

2. Desuperheating and attemperation
3. Pre-condensing the steam
4. By-passing the furnace gas around the superheater
5. Gas recirculation
6. Tilting burners in the furnace
7. Auxiliary burners
8. Twin furnace

Desuperheater:

The temperature of steam is reduced by removing energy from the steam and is called
attemperation. A spray type attemperator is called desuperheater is used in which low
temperature water (feed water) is injected into pipe carrying steam. This causes to vaporize
water, absorbs heat from the steam and reduces temperature of steam.
 As shown in above figure, a shell and tube type attemperator in which boiled water from boiler
drum is utilized to reduce the temperature of superheated steam. A portion of steam (m1) taken
out through tubes from a point between the primary and secondary superheaters by an automatic
valve diverted to heat exchanger where boiled water from boiler drum is circulated. The boiled
water coming from drum absorbs heat from superheated steam and finally, boiled water remixes
with the primary steam before entering the secondary superheater.

2. Explain in brief water circulation methods in boilers with neat sketch.

Ans.

The water may be circulated through the boiler by natural circulation due to density difference or
by forced circulation with the help of pump.

In all modern thermal power plants forced circulation is used. But with increase of pressure,
density difference decreases and at critical pressure it becomes zero. Thus the natural circulation
 ceases. Therefore, in high pressure boiler, it is necessary to use forced circulation. Further, heat
transfer rate can also be increased by increasing the velocity of water with the help of pump.

3. Describe the unique features of high pressure boilers in brief.

Ans.

(i) Method of water circulation

The water may be circulated through the boiler by natural circulation due to density difference or
by forced circulation with the help of pump.

In all modern thermal power plants forced circulation is used. But with increase of pressure,
density difference decreases and at critical pressure it becomes zero. Thus the natural circulation
ceases. Therefore, in high pressure boiler, it is necessary to use forced circulation. Further, heat
transfer rate can also be increased by increasing the velocity of water with the help of pump.

(ii) Types of Tubing

In most of high pressure boiler, the water is circulated through the tubes and outer surface of
tubes are exposed to the gases. If the water is circulated through the one continuous tube, large
pressure drop will take place. To minimize the pressure drop, water is circulated through parallel
system of tubing.

(iii) Improved Method of Heating

The heat transfer from the hot gases to water can be increased by using following methods:

a) At critical pressure, water is directly converted into steam. So, by increasing the pressure
above the critical pressure latent heat of vaporization can be saved.
b) If water is supplied to the boiler at high temperature, then efficiency of heat supplied can
be increased. So, by using the feed water heater, temperature of feed water can be
increased.
c) The overall heat transfer coefficient can be increased by increasing velocity of water
inside the tube or by increasing the velocity of gases.
4. Explain constructional difference between Low pressure and High pressure boiler.

Ans.

High pressure boilers can be utilized fuels like oil, gas or coal; they have modified burning system
and special type of burner.

In high pressure boilers, forced circulation of water provides high heat transfer rate and less scale
formation tendency.

In high pressure boilers, no drum is required and less space requirement.

In high pressure boilers, better design and different parts arrangement lead to increased heat
transfer area, so increased efficiency of boiler.

High pressure boiler uses modified draught system and hence, there is reduction in pollutions.
5. Draw a line diagram of a Benson boiler. State the main difficulties experienced in the La Mont
boiler and how it is prevented? OR
Explain with neat sketch construction and working Benson boiler and state its advantages.

Ans.

To avoid the formation and attachment of bubbles inside the water tube, Benson boiler is
operated at critical pressure. The arrangement of the boiler components is shown in figure.
Construction and Working:
Water from the hot well is passed through the economizer where sensible heat is supplied to the
water. Part of the water is evaporated when it passes through the radiant evaporator and
remaining water is evaporated as it passes through the convective evaporator. Then dry and
saturated steam from the convective evaporator is passed through the super-heater before
supply to prime mover.
Starting of the Benson Boiler:
First circulating pumps are started then burners are started. During starting water from super
heater is supplied back to economizer with the help of valve A. During starting valve B is closed.
Once generation of superheated steam starts, valve A is closed and valve B is opened.
Advantages:
I. No drum so light weight
II. Transportation of boiler is easy.
III. Erection is easy and can be carried out at plant site
IV. Furnace wall can be protected by small diameter tubes
V. Quick start because of the welded joint
 Problem with Benson Boiler and its Solution:
Major problem with the Benson boiler is deposition of salt in the transformation zone when all
remaining water is converted into steam. This deposited salt offers the resistance to heat transfer
and reduces the steam generation. It also causes the overheating of the tube.
To avoid this difficulty, the boiler is normally flashed out after every 4000 working hours to
remove the salt.
6. Name two indirectly heated high pressure boilers and explain construction and working of any
one of them.

Ans.

Indirectly heated high pressure boilers: Loeffler Boiler, Schmidt-Hartmann Boiler

The major difficulty experienced in Benson boiler is deposition of salt on the inner surface
of the tubes. This difficulty was solved in Loeffler boiler by preventing the circulation of water
through the tubes. The arrangement of the components of boiler is shown figure.

Construction and Working:

The water from the hot well is supplied to the evaporating drum through economizer. About 65%
of the steam coming from the super-heater is supplied to the evaporating drum for evaporation
of the feed water from the economizer. Steam is generated by mixing of the super-heated steam
to the feed water in evaporating drum. Dry and saturated steam generated in the evaporating
drum is circulated through the radiant super-heater and convective super-heater with the help of
steam circulating pump. About 35% of super-heated steam generated in the super-heater is
supplied to the

H.P. turbine and remaining is supplied to evaporating drum. Exhaust steam from the H.P. turbine
is reheated in the re-heater before supplied to the L.P. turbine.
 For distribution of super-heated steam throughout the water into evaporator, special design
nozzles are used which reduce the priming and noise. Higher salt concentration water can be used
in this boiler.

7. Explain with neat sketch construction and working Super-charged boiler and state its
advantages and disadvantages.

Ans.

In the super-charged boiler combustion of the fuel is carried out under the high pressure.

Construction and working:

The arrangement of the different components is shown in figure. Air from the atmosphere is
supplied to combustion chamber at high pressure with the help of the compressor. In the
combustion chamber, combustion is carried out under the high pressure. The exhaust gases from
the combustion chamber are used to run the gas turbine as they are exhausted at high pressure
and the power produced by the gas turbine is used to run the compressor to compressor the air.
The exhaust gases from the turbine are further used to preheat the feed water in the economizer.

Advantages:

Ø High heat transfer rate can be achieved as combustion is carried under the high pressure.
Ø Rapid start of the boiler is possible as the boiler is compact.
Ø It gives the better response to load fluctuation due to small heat storage capacity.
Ø The part of the gas turbine output can be used to drive other auxiliaries.
 Disadvantages:

Ø The tightness of high pressure gas passage is essential.

Ø Capital cost of the boiler is high.
8. Explain working of Bowl pulverizing mill with neat sketch.

Ans.

The bowl mill grinds the coal between a whirling bowl & rollers mounted on pivoted axis.

The Pulverize consists of stationary rollers and power driven balls in which pulverization takes place
as the coal passes between the bowl and rollers.

The hot primary air supplied in to the bowl picks up coal parcels and passes through the classifier.
Where oversized coal particles falls back to bowl for further grinding. The required size coal particles
along the primary air supplied to the burner.
9. Explain Unit pulverized coal handling system with neat sketch.

Ans.

In unit system each burner of the plant has its own Pulverize and handling units. The Pulverize a
together with feeder, separator and fans may be arranged to form a complete unit or mill.

The number of units required depends on the capacity of the boiler. Raw coal from coal hopper fed
to the pulverizing mill through feeder. Hot air from or flue gases passed through the feeder to dry the
coal before feeding to the Pulverize.

The pulverized coal is carried from the mill with the help of induced draught fan as shown in figure.
This further carries the coal through the pipes to the burner.

Secondary air supplied to the burner before fuel entry in to the combustion chamber is as shown in
figure helps in creating the turbulence as well as supplying additional air required for completing the
combustion of the coal particles in the furnace.

Advantages:

Ø It is simple in layout and cheaper than central system.

Ø It allows direct control of combustion rate from the Pulverizer.
Ø Maintenance charges are less.
Ø The coal transportation is simple.

Disadvantages:

Ø The performance of pulverizing mill is poor.

Ø Degree of flexibility is less than central system.
Ø The fault in the preparation unit may put entire steam generator out of use.
Ø There is excessive wear and tear of the blades of fan as it handles air and coal particles.
Ø Strict maintenance of the mill is required because the entire plant operation depends on it.
10. Discuss requirements of oil burners. With neat sketch explain long flame, turbulent burners and
tangential Burners.

Ans.

The main requirements of oil burners:

Ø It should mix thoroughly primary air with coal particles and secondary air.
Ø It should create turbulence and maintain stable combustion.
Ø It should control the flame shape and it travel in the furnace.
Ø The velocity of primary air and coal particles should be same as that of flame velocity to
avoid flash back.
Ø The burner should have ability to with stand overheating due internal fires and excessive
abrasive wear.
Long flame burners

The tertiary air supplied around the burner to provide better mixing of primary air and fuel.
The burner discharges air and fuel mixture vertically down wards with no turbulence to provide
long flame. Heated secondary air supplied at right angles to the flame creates turbulence that
required rapid combustion.
These types of burners are suitable for burning low volatile slower burning coal particles.

Turbulent Burners
 These burners are also called as short flame burners. Turbulent burners can project flame
horizontally or at small inclination to the furnace.
The fuel – primary air mixture and secondary hot air are arranged to pass through the burner in
such a way that there is good mixing and the mixture is projected in highly turbulent form in to
the furnace.
The mixture burns intensely and combustion is completed in a short distance. The burning rate of
turbulent burners is high compared to other types of burners. Turbulent burners are preferred
for high volatile coal and they are used in modern power plants.

Tangential burners

It consists of four different burners located at 4 corners of the furnace. The discharge of fuel and
air mixture directed tangentially to an imaginary circle in the center of the furnace.
The swirling action creates necessary turbulence required for completing the combustion in short
period. The tips of the burners can be angled through a small vertical arc. So raise or lower the
position of turbulent combustion region in the furnace. It helps in maintaining constant super
heat temperature of steam as load varies. This arrangement can provide 1000c difference in
furnace gas exit temperature.

11. Enumerate different types of Ash handling system. Explain Pneumatic ash handling system with
advantages and disadvantages.

Ans.

The generally used ash handling systems are classified in to four groups:

Ø Mechanical handling system

Ø Hydraulic handling system
Ø Pneumatic handling system
Ø Steam jet system

Pneumatic ash handling system

 In primary and secondary separation working on cyclone principle and then it is collected in the
ash hopper as shown in the figure. The clean air is discharged from the top of the secondary air
separator in to the atmosphere through the exhauster.

Exhauster may be mechanical type with filter or washer to ensure that the exhauster handles
clean air or it may use steam jet or water jet for its operation.

Mechanical exhausters are used in large power stations. While steam exhausters are used in small
and medium power stations. The pneumatic system can handle abrasive as well as fine materials
such as fly ash as soot.

The capacity of system varies from 15 -25 tons/hr.

Advantages:

Ø The system is flexible.

Ø There is no spillage and re handling.
Ø No chances of ash freezing and sticking of the materials, ash can be discharged freely by
gravity.
Ø Dustless operation as the system is totally closed.
Ø Cost / ton of ash handled is comparatively less.

Disadvantages:

Ø Wear and tear of pipes is high and hence the maintenance costs are high.
Ø The operation is noisy compared to other systems.

12. Discuss In-plant coal handling system.

Ans.

The coal handling plant needs extra attention, while designing a thermal power station, as almost
50% to 60% of the total operating costs consists of fuel purchasing and handling. Fuel system is
 designed in accordance with the type and nature off fuel. Plants may use coal oil or gas as the
fuel. The different stages in coal handling are shown below.

13. Explain the statement: - “Coal handling system is called lifeline of the coal fired power plants”.

Ans.

Modern power plants have high coal demands because of the ever-increasing sizes of the turbine
generator units and the economic advantages of a single coal handling facility serving a multi-unit
power plant. Thus, coal handling facilities have to become more flexible, more reliable, and
capable of handling larger quantities of coal in less time than ever before.

14. What are the requirements of a good ash handling plant?

Ans.

The main requirements of good ash handling plants are listed below:

Ø It should be capable of handling large volume of ash.

Ø It should be capable of handling large clickers with minimum attention.
Ø The plant should have high rates of handling.
Ø The operation should be noise less as much as possible.
Ø It should deal effectively both hot and wet ash.
Ø The initial cost, operating and maintenance charges should be minimum as per as possible.

15. Explain pulverized coal system and state its merits and demerits.

Ans.
In pulverized fuel firing system the coal is grinded in to a fine powder form with the help of grinding
mill and then projected in to the combustion chamber with the help of hot air current. This hot air is
known as the primary air.

The amount of the air required for complete combustion is supplied separately in the combustion
chamber. It helps in creating turbulence, so that uniform and intimate mixing of coal particles and air
can take place inside combustion chamber.

The efficiency of the pulverized fuel firing system mostly depends upon the size of the particles of the
coal in the coal powder. The finesse of the coal particles should be such that 70% of it would pass
through 200 mesh sieve and 98% through a 50 mesh sieve.

Advantages:

Ø Any grade of coal can be used.

Ø Stand by losses are reduced and banking losses are eliminated.
Ø Efficiency of combustion is high compared to other methods of solid fuel firing methods.
Ø Boiler unit can be started up from cold rapidly and efficiently.
Ø Practically free from slagging and clinker troubles.
Ø Furnace has no moving parts subjected high temperatures.
Ø The furnace volume required is less.
Ø This system works successfully with or in combination with gas and oil.
Ø Greater capacity to meet the peak loads.
Ø Practically no ash handling problems.
Ø The structural arrangements and flooring are simple.
Ø The external heating surfaces are free from corrosion.
Disadvantages:

Ø Coal preparation plant is necessary.

Ø High capital cost.
Ø Handling of fly ash makes the system uneconomical.
Ø Special equipment is needed to start this system.
Ø Larger building space is needed especially with central system.
Ø Skilled operators are required.
Ø Refractory material surfaces are affected by high furnace temperatures.
Ø Atmospheric pollution created by the fly ash is cannot be completely eliminated.
Ø The possibility of explosion is more as coal burns like gas.
Ø The maintenance of furnace brick work is costly.

16. Explain cyclone burner with neat diagram.

Ans.

It consists of horizontal cylinder of water cooled construction, 2 to 3 meters in diameter and 2.5 m in
length. The horizontal axis of the burner is slightly deflected downward towards the boiler. These
burners are externally attached to the furnace.

The cyclone burner receives pulverized coal carried by the primary air tangentially to the cylinder at
outer end creates strong and highly turbulent Vortex. Secondary air enters in to the cylinder
tangentially to complete the combustion. These burners can be rotated by 30 degree up and down
it helps in controlling the super heater temperature.

The fuel supplied burns quickly with high heat liberate rates with temperature around 2000 0C. The
ash forms the molten film over the inner wall surface and molten ash flows to an ash disposal system.
The cyclone burners give best results with low grade fuel.
17. Write a short note on electrostatic precipitator.

Ans.

Electrostatic precipitators are extensively used in removal of fly ash from electric utility boiler
emissions.

The dust laden gas is passed between oppositely charged conductors and it becomes ionized. As the
dust laden gas passed through these charged electrodes, both negative and positive ions are formed.
The ionized gas is further passed through the collecting unit which consists of set of vertical plates.

Alternates plates are charged and earthed. As the alternate plates are grounded, high intensity
electrostatic field exerts a force on positively charged dust particles and drives them towards the
grounded plate.

The deposited dust particles are removed from the plates by giving the shaking motion to the plates.
Dust removed collected in the dust hoppers.

Advantages:

Ø It is more effective in removing small particle.

Ø Its efficiency s high.
Ø The drought losses are least.
Ø It provides ease of operation.

Disadvantages:

Ø Use of electrical equipment for converting AC in to DC is necessary.

Ø The space required is larger than wet system.
Ø Collectors must be protected from sparking.
Ø The running costs are high.
18. State the requirements of pulverized coal burners.

Ans.

The main requirements of oil burners:

Ø It should mix thoroughly primary air with coal particles and secondary air.
Ø It should create turbulence and maintain stable combustion.
Ø It should control the flame shape and it travel in the furnace.
Ø The velocity of primary air and coal particles should be same as that of flame velocity to
avoid flash back.
Ø The burner should have ability to with stand overheating due internal fires and excessive
abrasive wear.

19. Write a short note on mechanical dust collector.

Ans.

a) Sudden velocity decreasing method: Enlarging cross sectional area off the dust carrying
pipe helps in slow down of the gas so that dust particles will have the chance to settle out
are allowed to fall down.
b) Abrupt change of flow direction. When gas makes a sharp change in flow direction the
heavier particles tend to keep going in original direction and so settle out.
c) Impingement upon small baffles: The larger dust particles may be knocked out of the gas
stream by impingement on baffles. These are used to drop large cinders from the gases.

Mechanical dust collectors can be further classified as wet type and dry type. The wet type dust
collectors are also called as scrubbers. Scrubbers operate with water sprays to wash dust from
the air. Large quantity of wash water is required for central power stations and this system is
rarely used. This also produces waste water that may require chemical neutralization before it
may be discharged in to the natural water bodies. Scrubbers may be 1) Packed type 2) Spray type
3) Impingement type.
20. Write a short note on Mechanical ash handling system.

Ans.

This system of handling ash is used in low capacity power plants. The hot ash coming out of
furnace allowed falling on to the belt conveyor moving through the water trough.

Cooled ash carried continuously by belt conveyor to the ash bunker. The ash is removed from the
ash bunker to the dumping site with the help of trucks.

21. Explain Zeolite ion exchange process for feed water treatment plant. OR
Explain Zeolite ion exchange process used in thermal power plant for water treatment. OR
Write a short note on Zeolite ion exchange process. OR
Describe working of hot sodium zeolite process with neat sketch and chemical reactions. List
advantages and disadvantages over ion exchange system.

Ans.

Zeolite is hydrated sodium alumino silicate capable of exchanging reversibly its sodium ions for
Ca2+ and Mg2+, having the general formula Na2O.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O (where x=2-10 and y=2-6).
Zeolite are two types,

1) Natural zeolites are non-porous for Ex; Natrolite Na2Al3O3.4sio22h2o

2) Synthetic zeolites possess gel structure. Synthetic Zeolites possess higher exchange capacity
than natural Zeolites.
Process

For Softening of water by Zeolite process, hard water is percolated at a specified rate through a
bed of zeolite; kept in a cylinder. The Hardness causing ions (ca+2, Mg+2 etc.) are retained by the
zeolite as CaZe and MgZe, while the outgoing water contains sodium salts. Reactions taking place
during the softening process are

Na2Ze +Ca (HCO3)2 --> CaZe +2NaHCO3

Na2Ze +Mg (HCO3)2 --> MgZe +2NaHCO3

 Regeneration:

After Some time the zeolite is completely converted into calcium and magnesium Zeolites and it
ceases to soften water i.e.; it gets exhausted. At this stage the supply of hard water is stopped
and the exhausted zeolite is reclaimed by treating the bed with a concentrated NaCl solution,

CaZe (or MgZe) + 2NaCl à Na2Ze + CaCl2 (or MgCl2)

The washings are led to drain and the regenerated zeolite bed thus obtained is used again for
softening process.

Advantages:

Ø If removes the hardness almost completely

Ø Equipment occupying a small space
Ø Requires less time
Ø It is quite clean

Disadvantages:

Ø Treated water contains more sodium salts than in time soda process
Ø The method only replaces Ca+2 and Mg+2 ions by Na+ ions leaves all the acidic ions.

22. Why feed water treatment is essential in power plants? OR

Explain the necessity of feed water treatment.

Ans.

Following are various reason which clearly indicate that feed water treatment is required in power
plants before supply it into boiler.

Ø Natural water contains solid, liquid and gaseous impurities hence it cannot be used
for steam generation in boiler.
Ø The boiler water needs to be alkaline and not acidic, so that it does not ruin the tubes.
Ø To prevent scale formation inside and outside the tubes.
23. Discuss various methods of water treatment.

Ans.

24. Explain reverse osmosis process.

Ans.

Reverse Osmosis is a technology that is used to remove a large majority of contaminants from
water by pushing the water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane.

Reverse Osmosis is the process of Osmosis in reverse. Whereas Osmosis occurs naturally without
energy required, to reverse the process of osmosis we need to apply energy to the more saline
solution. A reverse osmosis membrane is a semi--

-permeable membrane that allows the passage of water molecules but not the majority of
dissolved salts, organics, bacteria and pyrogens. However, we need to ‘push’ the water through
the reverse osmosis membrane by applying pressure that is greater than the naturally occurring
osmotic pressure in order to desalinate (demineralize or deionize) water in the process, allowing
pure water through while holding back a majority of contaminants. Following Figure shows the
process of Reverse Osmosis. When pressure is applied to the concentrated solution, the water
molecules are forced through the semi-permeable membrane and the contaminants are not
allowed through.

Working

Reverse osmosis works by using a high pressure pump to increase the pressure on the salt side of
the RO and force the water across the semi-permeable RO membrane, leaving almost all (around
95% to 99%) of dissolved salts behind in the reject stream. The amount of pressure required
depends on the salt concentration of the feed water. The more concentrated the feed water, the
more pressure is required to overcome the osmotic pressure.

In very simple terms, feed water is pumped into a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system and we end up
with two types of water coming out of the RO system: good water and bad water. The good water
that comes out of an RO system has the majority of contaminants removed and is called
permeate. Permeate is the water that was pushed through the RO membrane and contains very
little contaminants.

Figure shows how an RO system works. As the feed water enters the RO membrane under
pressure (enough pressure to overcome osmotic pressure) the water molecules pass through the
semi---permeable membrane and the salts and other contaminants are not allowed to pass and
 are discharged through the concentrate stream, which goes to drain or can be fed back into the
feed water supply in some circumstances to be recycled through the RO system to save water.
The water that makes it through the RO membrane is called permeate or product water and
usually has around 95% to 99% of the dissolved salts removed from it.

25. Explain Sea water treatment using Reverse Osmosis.

Ans.

Above figure shows sea water treatment using reverse osmosis process. Depending on the clarity
of sea water, pretreatment is required before passing it through RO system. Aluminum sulphate
(coagulant) is added to precipitate colloidal material and color.

To reduce the pH value to around 6 and reduce calcium carbonate scaling, HCL or sulphuric acid
is added to this water. The water is than filtered using filters commonly called as media filters.
 Water is than passed through cartridge filter to remove suspended matter. After it water passed
through series of semi-permeable membranes to get pure boiler feed water.

The membrane of RO system consist of polymeric material film made of proper porosity and is
made of material like acrylics, polyamides etc. As sea water is highly corrosive, the material for
construction should be selected so that it can withstand corrosion.

This method is economically used when total dissolved solid present is the water is in the range
of 2000 to 10,000 ppm or slightly more.

26. Explain Hot Lime soda Process with neat sketch.

Ans.

Hot lime-soda plant consists essentially of three parts (a)‘reaction tank’ in which raw water,
chemicals and steam are thoroughly mixed; (b)‘conical sedimentation vessel’ in which sludge
settles down, and (c)‘Sand filter’ which ensures complete removal of sludge from the softened
water.

In this method raw water and calculated quantities of chemicals (Lime + soda + coagulant) are fed
from the top into the inner vertical circular chambers, fitted with a vertical rotating shaft carrying
a number of paddles. As the raw water and chemicals flow down, there is a vigorous stirring and
continuous mixing, whereby softening of water takes place.

Here the chemicals along with the water are heated near about the boiling point of water by
exhaust steam.
 Advantages of Lime soda process:

Ø It is a very economical.
Ø If this process is combined with sedimentation with coagulation, lesser amounts of
coagulants shall be needed.
Ø The process increased the pH value of the treated water, thereby corrosion of the
distribution pipes is reduced.
Ø Besides the removal of hardness, the quantity of minerals in the water are reduced.
Ø To certain extent, iron and manganese are also removed from the water.
Ø Due to alkaline nature of treated- water, amount of pathogenic bacteria’s in water is
considerably reduced.

Disadvantages of Lime soda process:

Ø Disposal of large amounts of sludge (insoluble precipitate) poses a problem. However, the
sludge may be disposed of in raising low-lying areas of the city.
Ø This can remove hardness only up to 15ppm, which is not good for boilers.

27. Explain pH & its role in corrosion.

Ans.

pH value of water is the logarithm of reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in water. pH value
varies from 0 to 14. pH value less than 7 indicates acidity of water and more than 7 indicates
alkalinity of water.

Role of pH in corrosion

The corrosion rate of iron in absence of oxygen is proportional to pH value upto 9.6. The pH value
of water determines the solubility of iron and hence the rate of corrosion.

Corrosion rate increases due to presence of dissolved O2 and CO2 in water as concentration of H+
ions increasing which increases the pH value of water.
28. What are the different impurities found in feed water? Also explain about its effects.

Ans.

All natural waters contain various types and amounts of impurities. These impurities cause boiler
problems and as such consideration must be given to the quality and treatment required of the
water used for generating steam.

It is mainly classified in three parts

1. Undissolved and suspended solids.

2. Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts
3. Dissolved gases

Undissolved and suspended solids:

Ø Turbidity and sediments: It is suspended insoluble matter such as mud, sand etc. which
settle down when there is no disturbance in water.
Ø Sodium and Potassium salts: They are alkaline in nature and accelerate the corrosion
process.
Ø Chlorides: Increase the corrosive action in water.
Ø Iron: Ferrous bicarbonate is the most common soluble iron found in water. Such water
becomes yellow in color and it is harmful as it forms soft scale.
Ø Manganese: It is equally troublesome as iron.
Ø Silica: Natural water contains 1-100 ppm of silica. It accelerate hard scale in boiler tubes.

Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts:

Calcium and magnesium salts are present in water in form of carbonates, bicarbonates, sulphates
and clorides. The presence of these salts can be known as hardness of water. Hardness is further
classified as temporary hardness and permanent hardness.

Temporary hardness is caused due to presence of dissolved bicarbonates of Calcium and

magnesium and it is removed by boiling.

Permanent hardness is due to presence of chlorides, sulphides, nitrates of Calcium and

magnesium. These salt cannot be removed by boiling and form hard scale on heating surface.

Dissolved gases:

There are two gases which cause corrosion are oxygen and carbon dioxide which are present in
dissolved form of water. Oxygen is corrosive to iron, Zinc, brass, and other metals.

Carbon dioxide is dissolved form in water forms weak carbonic acid. It cause corrosion of metal
parts.
29. Advantages of Mechanical draught over Natural draught.

Ans.

Ø The artificial mechanical draught is better in control and more economical than natural
draught.
Ø The rate of combustion is high as the available draught is more. The better distribution
and mixing of air with fuel is possible therefore the quantity of air required per kg of fuel
is less.
Ø The air flow can be regulated according to the requirement by changing the draught
pressure.
Ø The chimney draught is produced at the cost of thermal efficiency of the plant because it
is necessary to exhaust the gases at high temperature to produce the draught. In
mechanical draught, the exhaust gases can be cooled to lowest possible temperature
before exhaust and improves the overall thermal efficiency of the plant.
Ø The height of the chimney used in mechanical draught can be reduced sufficiently as the
function of the chimney is only to exhaust the gases high in the atmosphere to prevent
the contamination.
Ø The efficiency of the artificial draught is nearly 7% whereas the efficiency of the chimney
draught is hardly 1%.
Ø The fuel consumption per kW due to artificial draught is 15% less than the natural
draught.
Ø The fuel burning capacity of the grate is 200 to 300 kg/m2 in area of the grate per hour
with mechanical draught whereas it is hardly 50 kg/m2-hr with natural draught.
Ø It prevents the formation of smoke as complete combustion is possible even with less
excess air.
30. With a neat diagram explain balanced draught.

Ans.

The balanced draught is a combination of forced and induced draught.

 If the forced draught is used alone, then the furnace cannot be opened either for firing or
inspection because the high pressure air inside the furnace will try to blow out suddenly and there
is every chance of blowing out the fire completely and furnace stops.

If the induced draught is used alone, then also furnace cannot be opened either for firing or
inspection because the cold air will try to rush into the furnace as the pressure inside the furnace
is below atmospheric pressure.

This reduces the effective draught and dilutes the combustion.

To overcome both the difficulties mentioned above either using forced draught or induced
draught alone, a balanced draught is always preferred.

31. Derive an expression for maximum discharge through a chimney. OR

With usual notations derive an expression of estimation of height of chimney and condition of
maximum discharge. OR
Prove the following:
Maximum discharge through chimney occurs when Tg/Ta=2(Ma+1)/Ma, Where Tg and Ta are
gas and air temperature respectively and ma is mass of air.

Ans.
32. Draught produced by chimney is 2 cm of water column. Temperature of flue gas is 300 0C and
ambient temperature is 33 0C. The flue gases formed per kg of fuel burnt is 24 kg. Neglect the
losses and take the diameter of chimney as 1.75 m.
Calculate: (i) Height of chimney in m and (ii) Mass of flue gases flowing through the chimney in
kg/min.

Ans.
33. Explain the term, “Boiler Draught”. Also state the classification of boiler draught.

Ans.

The draught is one of the most essential systems of thermal power plant which supplies required
quantity of air for combustion and removes the burnt products from the system. To move the air
through the fuel bed and to produce a flow of hot gases through the boiler, economizer, preheater
and chimney require a difference of pressure.

This difference of pressure for to maintaining the constant flow of air and discharging the gases
through the chimney to atmosphere is known as draught.

Draught can be obtained by use of chimney, fan, steam or air jet or combination of these. When
the draught is produced with the help of chimney only, it is known as Natural Draught and when
the draught is produced by any other means except chimney it is known as artificial draught.
 SUBJECT NAME: Power Plant Engineering
SUBJECT CODE: 2171910
ASSIGNMENT-4 (CO-4)
Solved Questions
Chapter: 9 Gas turbine
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 Explain open cycle gas turbine plant with figure. W-19 04
2 Explain closed cycle gas turbine plant with figure. S-18 04
3 Draw the P-V and T-S diagram of ideal Brayton cycle. S-19 04
4 Derive an expression for air standard efficiency of ideal Bryton cycle in terms of W-16 07
pressure ratio. State the assumption made.
5 Derive equation of maximum work for brayton cycle. W-19 07
6 Combined cycle power plant. W-17 07
7 State the advantages of combined gas and steam power plant. W-18 04
8 What is the need of cooling gas turbine blades? Explain transpiration cooling of gas W-18 03
turbine blades.
9 Explain the effect of operating variables on the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine S-18 07
cycle.
10 Explain the parameters affected on work ratio in gas turbine power plant. W-16 07
11 Explain the parameters affected on air rate in gas turbine power plant. 07
12 Give importance of combined cycle power generation. W-19 04
13 A gas turbine installations works on Brayton cycle between the temperature limits of 07
35 0C and 715 0C. For the maximum work to be developed, calculate temperature at
the end of compression, pressure ratio and thermal efficiency.
Also, calculate work ratio and power output if mass flow rate of air is 20 kg/s.
14 In a closed cycle gas turbine the following data apply, S-17 07
Working substance is air, Cp = 1 kJ/kg K and γ = 1.4; Ambient temperature = 27 0C;
Top temperature = 823 0C; Pressure at compressor inlet = 1 bar; Pressure ratio = 4;
Compressor efficiency = 80 %; Turbine efficiency = 85 %; Heating value of fuel = 41800
kJ/kg; Heater loss = 10 % of heating value; Neglect mass of fuel. Find the following :
(1) Specific Compressor work (2) Heat supplied per kg of air
(3) Specific Turbine work (4) Specific Network output
(5) Work ratio (6) Thermal efficiency of cycle
Chapter: 10 Nuclear Power Plant
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
15 List the nuclear reactors. Explain working of Pressurized water reactor. W-16 07
16 Explain with neat sketch construction and working of CANDU type reactor. S-17, 07
S-18,
W-19
17 Main components of nuclear reactor and nuclear control. W-17 04
18 Discuss Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) with neat sketch. W-17 04
19 Discuss Chain Reaction in Nuclear Power plant. W-17, 03
W-19
20 What is the difference between fissionable and fertile materials? S-18 03
21 Write a note on fast breeder reactor. W-18, 07
S-19
22 Differentiate between nuclear fusion and fission. W-18, 07
W-19
23 Write down the function of following components of nuclear reactor :1) Moderator S-19 03
2) Control rod
Chapter: 11 Jet Propulsion
24 Explain construction and working of Turbojet. W-16 07
25 Explain the principle of jet and rocket propulsion with neat sketch. S-17 03
26 Discuss Turbojet Engine, also discuss equations of thrust, Thrust power, Propulsive W-17, 04
power, Propulsive efficiency and Thermal efficiency. W-19
27 Explain the working principle of Turboprop engine with neat sketch. S-18 04
28 State classification of rocket engines. W-18 03
Unsolved Questions
Chapter: 9 Gas turbine
Sr. Questions Asked Marks
No. in GTU
1 State advantages and disadvantages of closed cycle over open cycle. 04
2 A gas turbine plant is operated between 1 bar and 9 bar pressures and minimum and S-17 07
maximum cycle temperatures are 25 0C and 1250 0C. A compression is carried out in
two stages with perfect intercooling. The gases coming out from H.P. turbine are
heated to 1250 0C before entering into L.P. turbine. The expansions in both turbines
are arranged in such a way that each stage develops same power. Assuming
compressors and turbines isentropic efficiencies as 83 %. (a) Determine the cycle
efficiency assuming ideal regenerator. (b) Find the power developed by the cycle in
kW if the air flow through the power plant is 16.5 kg/sec. Neglect the mass of fuel. All
the components are mounted on a single shaft.
3 A gas turbine operates on Brayton cycle. The temperature range is 1050 K and 288 K. W-16, 07
Find pressure ratio for maximum power output. Also determine thermal efficiency, W-18
work ratio and power output, if the mass flow rate of air is 20 kg/sec. Take Cp = 1.005
kJ/kg K and ϒ = 1.4 for compression and expansion process.
4 Air enters to compressor of gas turbine plant operating on Brayton cycle at 100 kPa S-19 07
and 300 K with a volumetric flow rate of 5 m3/sec. the compression pressure ratio is
10. The turbine inlet temperature is 1300 K. The turbine and compressor has an
isentropic efficiency of 0.82 and 0.8 respectively. Calculate
1) Thermal efficiency of the cycle
2) Back work ratio
3) Net power developed in kW
Assume Cp =1.005 kJ/kg and ϒ=1.4 for air and gases.
5 Air enters the compressor of an open cycle, constant pressure gas turbine at 1 bar S-12 07
and 27 0C. The pressure of air after compression becomes 4 bar. The isentropic
efficiency of compressor and turbine are 78% and 84% respectively. The air fuel ratio
used is 75:1. If the rate of flow of air is 2.5 kg/sec, determine the power developed
and thermal efficiency of the cycle. Take Cp = 1 kJ/kg K and γ = 1.4 both for air and
gases. The calorific value of fuel used = 42,000 kJ/kg.
6 Discuss means of improving efficiency and specific output of simple open cycle gas W-17, 07
turbine. S-14,
S-12
7 Explain with schematic and temperature-entropy diagram, the gas turbine cycle with S-18 07
intercooling, regeneration, and reheating.
Chapter: 10 Nuclear Power Plant
8 Compare between Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactor 04
(BWR).
9 Write down the function of following components of nuclear reactor :1) Fuel 2) 03
Reflector 3) Biological shield
10 What is a fast reactor? What is a thermal reactor? 04
11 Discuss Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR) with neat sketch. 07
Chapter: 11 Jet Propulsion
12 Explain the working principle of Pulsejet engine with neat sketch. 07
13 Differentiate between ramjet engine and pulsejet engine. S-19 04
14 Explain principle of Jet propulsion. W-19 04
Solved Questions
1. Explain open cycle gas turbine plant with figure.

Ans.

The Open cycle gas turbine or Brayton cycle is the most idealized cycle for the simple gas turbine
power plant as shown in figure.

Atmospheric air is compressed from P1 to a high pressure P2 in the compressor and delivered to
the combustion chamber where fuel is injected and burned.

The combustion process occurs nearly at constant pressure. Due to combustion heat is added to
the working fluid in the combustor from T2 to T3.

The products of combustion from the combustion chamber expanded in the turbine from p2 to
atmospheric pressure p1 and then discharged to the atmosphere.

2. Explain closed cycle gas turbine plant with figure.

Ans.
 A schematic diagram of a closed cycle gas turbine plant is shown in figure. The working fluid
coming out from the compressor is heated in a heat exchanger by an external source at constant
pressure. The working fuel is heated by burning the fuel using separate supply of air in CC and
transfer this heat to the working fluid. The hot air, while flowing over the blades gets expanded.
This air is cooled where it is cooled at constant pressure with the help of circulating water to its
original temperature.

3. Draw the P-V and T-S diagram of ideal Brayton cycle.

Ans.

Representation of Ideal Brayton Cycle on P-v and h-s Diagram

4. Derive an expression for air standard efficiency of ideal Brayton cycle in terms of pressure
ratio. State the assumption made.

Ans.

Assumptions o ideal Brayton cycle:

1. The air standard assumption: This assumption states that the working fluid during the cycle
can be modeled by air alone. The air can then be treated as an ideal gas. Because the air/fuel
mass ratio of most Brayton cycles is typically large, this assumption has proven to be accurate
for most real world applications.
2. Isentropic compressor and turbine: The compressor and turbine components of the cycle can
be assumed to be isentropic, meaning that they are perfectly insulated and lose no energy to
the environment. This also means that there is no irreversible energy loss due to friction.
3. Constant Pressure Heat Addition/Rejection: This assumption states that the heat addition and
rejection steps occur at a constant pressure.
4. Closed System: The Brayton cycle typically operates on an open system: Starting with the
intake of air from the atmosphere and rejecting it back at high velocity and temperature.
However, the atmosphere acts as part of our closed system by dissipating the heated exhaust
during the constant pressure heat rejection stage.
5. Derive equation of maximum work for brayton cycle.

Ans.
6. Combined cycle power plant.

Ans.
7. State the advantages of combined gas and steam power plant.

Ans.

Advantages of combined gas and steam power plant:

8. What is the need of cooling gas turbine blades? Explain transpiration cooling of gas turbine
blades.

Ans.

At a constant pressure ratio, thermal efficiency increases as the maximum are under large
centrifugal stresses and materials are weaker at high temperature. So, turbine blade cooling is
essential.

Blade cooling mainly classified as external cooling and internal cooling.

External cooling can be achieved by either film cooling or Effusion cooling.

Effusion cooling or Transpiration cooling:

 In transpiration cooling, the air is allowed to effuse from the pores of the porous blade material.
Small holes along the blade surface provides envelope of cool air, thus insulating the material
from hot gas.

9. Explain the effect of operating variables on the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine cycle.

Ans.

Thermal efficiency of actual open cycle depends on following operating variables:

a) Compressor inlet temperature (T1)

b) Turbine inlet temperature (T3)
c) Pressure ratio
d) Compressor and Turbine efficiency
e) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating
f) Specific fuel consumption
a) Compressor inlet temperature (T1)

If the compressor inlet temperature T1 is increased to T1’, then corresponding compressor outlet
temperature is increased. The effect of this is to reduced heat supplied. It also increase
compressor input work which reduce network output.

Effect due to compressor inlet temperature

 Effect of compressor inlet temperature on pressure ratio and Thermal efficiency

If compressor inlet temperature is reduced (T1”) it decrease compressor outlet temperature. So

as T1 increase thermal efficiency reduced due to reduction in heat supplied and reduction in
compressor inlet temperature increase plant efficiency as shown in figure.

b) Turbine inlet temperature (T3)

Effect of turbine inlet temperature on pressure ratio and Thermal efficiency

As the turbine inlet temperature increase, the work output from the turbine increases and this
increase turbine efficiency at given pressure ratio.

For higher turbine efficiency, it becomes necessary to increase turbine inlet temperature. So, high
heat supplied by combustion chamber is required to increase turbine thermal efficiency.

c) Pressure ratio

Effect of pressure ratio on gas turbine cycle

As shown in figure, for a given turbine inlet temperature as pressure ratio increases, the work
done by turbine increase and compressor work also increase.

Figure also indicates that there is an optimum pressure ratio for maximum thermal efficiency.
Further increase in pressure ratio drops the thermal efficiency of cycle.

d) Compressor and Turbine efficiency

Effect of compressor and turbine efficiency on thermal efficiency

As shown in above figure, as the efficiencies of compressor and turbine increases, the thermal
efficiency increases but there is an optimum pressure ratio at which maximum efficiency occur.
Turbine is power producing device and products more power than compressor consumes. So
turbine efficiency affect much compare to compressor efficiency.

e) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating

Effect of regeneration, intercooling and reheating on thermal efficiency

Due to addition of these three things peak value of thermal efficiency shifts towards lower
pressure ratio compared to simple cycle. In all cases, thermal efficiency first increases with
increase in pressure ratio, reaches a maximum value and then deceases.

f) Specific fuel consumption

Effect of pressure ratio on specific fuel consumption

As the specific fuel consumption increased, the thermal efficiency of the cycle decreases. As
shown in below fig, for all value of pressure ratio, fuel consumption is minimum in complete cycle.
10. Explain the parameters affected on work ratio in gas turbine power plant.

Ans.

The parameters which affect the work ratio are,

a) Compressor inlet temperature

b) Turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio
c) Compressor and turbine efficiency
d) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating
a) Compressor inlet temperature

Effect of compressor inlet temperature and pressure ratio on work ratio

As compressor inlet temperature decreases, the work ratio increases. This is due to decrease
in the power required by the compressor.

b) Turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio

Effect of turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio on work ratio

 As turbine inlet temperature increases, the work output increases for a given pressure ratio,
hence the work ratio increases. Also as the pressure ratio increases, the work ratio decreases
for a fixed value of turbine inlet temperature.
c) Compressor and turbine efficiency

Effect of compressor and turbine efficiency on work ratio

As the compressor and turbine efficiencies increase, the work ratio also increase due to
increase in work output of turbine and reduction in compressor work input.

d) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating

Effect of regeneration, intercooling and reheating on work ratio

 Above fig shows Effect of regeneration, intercooling and reheating on work ratio with increase of
pressure ratio. The maximum work ratio is obtained in cycle with regeneration, intercooling and
reheating.

11. Explain the parameters affected on air rate in gas turbine power plant.

Ans.

The parameters which affect the air rate are,

a) Compressor inlet temperature
b) Turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio
c) Compressor and turbine efficiency
d) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating
a) Compressor inlet temperature

Effect of compressor inlet temperature on air rate

As compressor inlet temperature increases, the air density is reduced and hence the mass
flow rate reduces. To maintain constant mass flow rate, the compressor will consume more
power. Thus, increasing value of compressor inlet temperature reduces the network output
because the power consumed by the compressor increases while there is no change in turbine
output.
b) Turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio

Effect of turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio on air rate

 As turbine inlet temperature increases, the work output increases for a given pressure ratio,
hence the air rate decreases. As the pressure ratio increases, the air rate decreases to a
minimum value first and after that it again increases.
c) Compressor and turbine efficiency

Effect of compressor and turbine efficiency on air rate

As the compressor and turbine efficiencies increase, the network output increases at same
mass flow rate of air. Hence mass flow rate of air per KW is reduced
d) Regeneration, intercooling and reheating

Effect of regeneration, intercooling and reheating on air rate

 Comparison of curves shown in Figure shows that air rate is lower in case of cycle with
intercooling and reheating cycles and Ieast in case of open cycle with complete cycle with
regeneration, intercooling and reheating.
12. Give importance of combined cycle power generation.

Ans.
13. A gas turbine installations works on Brayton cycle between the temperature limits of 35 0C and
715 0C. For the maximum work to be developed, calculate temperature at the end of
compression, pressure ratio and thermal efficiency.
Also, calculate work ratio and power output if mass flow rate of air is 20 kg/s.

Ans.

14. In a closed cycle gas turbine the following data apply,

Working substance is air, Cp = 1 kJ/kg K and γ = 1.4; Ambient temperature = 27 0C; Top
temperature = 823 0C; Pressure at compressor inlet = 1 bar; Pressure ratio = 4; Compressor
efficiency = 80 %; Turbine efficiency = 85 %; Heating value of fuel = 41800 kJ/kg; Heater loss =
10 % of heating value; Neglect mass of fuel. Find the following:

(1) Specific Compressor work (2) Heat supplied per kg of air

(3) Specific Turbine work (4) Specific Network output

(5) Work ratio (6) Thermal efficiency of cycle

Ans.
15. List the nuclear reactors. Explain working of Pressurized water reactor.

Ans.

On the basis of neutron energy:

1. Fast reactors: In these reactors, the fission is affected by fast neutrons without any use of
moderator.
2. Thermal reactors: In these reactors the fast moving neutrons are slowed down with help
of moderator.
3. Intermediate reactors: In this reactor velocity of the neutrons is kept between fast
reactors and thermal reactors.

On the basis of fuel used:

1. Natural uranium fuel reactors

2. Enriched uranium fuel reactor

On the basis of coolant used:

1. Water /heavy water cooled reactors

2. Gas cooled reactors
3. Liquid metal /organic liquid cooled reactors

On the basis of moderator:

1. Water moderated
2. Heavy water moderated
3. Graphite moderated
4. Beryllium moderated

On the basis of reactor core used:

1. Homogeneous reactor
2. Heterogeneous reactor

Pressurized water reactor:

In a PWR the primary coolant (water) is pumped under high pressure to the reactor core where it
is heated by the energy generated by the fission of atoms. The heated water then flows to a steam
generator where it transfers its thermal energy to a secondary system where steam is generated
and flows to turbines which, in turn, spins an electric generator.
 Nuclear fuel in the reactor vessel is engaged in a fission chain reaction, which produces heat,
heating the water in the primary coolant loop by thermal conduction through the fuel cladding.

The hot primary coolant is pumped into a heat exchanger called the steam generator, where it
flows through hundreds or thousands of tubes (usually 3/4 inch in diameter).

Heat is transferred through the walls of these tubes to the lower pressure secondary coolant
located on the sheet side of the exchanger where it evaporates to pressurized steam. The transfer
of heat is accomplished without mixing the two fluids, which is desirable since the primary coolant
might become radioactive. Some common steam generator arrangements are u-tubes or single
pass heat exchangers. In a nuclear power station, the pressurized steam is fed through a steam
turbine which drives an electrical generator connected to the electric grid for distribution.

After passing through the turbine the secondary coolant (water-steam mixture) is cooled down
and condensed in a condenser. The condenser converts the steam to a liquid so that it can be
pumped back into the steam generator, and maintains a vacuum at the turbine outlet so that the
pressure drop across the turbine, and hence the energy extracted from the steam, is maximized.

Before being fed into the steam generator, the condensed steam (referred to as feed water) is
sometimes preheated in order to minimize thermal shock.

16. Explain with neat sketch construction and working of CANDU type reactor.

Ans.

Working:

The CANDU, short for Canada Deuterium-Uranium reactor is a Canadian-invented, pressurized

heavy water reactor. The acronym refers to its deuterium-oxide (heavy water) moderator and its
use of (originally, natural) uranium fuel.
These reactors are more economical to those nations which do not produce enriched uranium as
the enrichment of uranium very costly. In this reactor the fuel is normal uranium oxide as small
cylinder pallets the pallets are packed in corrosion resistance zirconium alloy tube. The coolant
heavy water is passed through the fuel pressure tubes and heat exchanger. The heavy water is
circulated in the primary circuit and the same way the steam is generated as PWR in secondary
circuit due to circulate heat in to it from primary circuit. The control of the reactor is achieved by
varying the moderator level in the reactor so no control rod is needed.

Advantages:

Ø Fuel not needs to be enriched.

Ø The reactor vessel may be built to withstand low pressure compared with PWR and BWR
and only fuel tubes designed to withstand high pressure therefore cost of vessel is very
less.
Ø No control rods required.
Ø The moderator can be kept low temperature which increases its effectiveness in slowing
down neutrons.
Ø Shorter period require site construction as compare to PWR and BWR.

Disadvantages:

Ø The cost of heavy water is high.

Ø Leakage is a major problem.
Ø Very high standard design, manufacture inspection and maintenance required.
Ø Power density is low as compare to PWR and BWR so it required large size of reactor.
17. Main components of nuclear reactor and nuclear control.

Ans.

Following are the components of nuclear reactor:

Ø FUELS
Ø MODERATOR
Ø CONTROL RODS.
Ø COOLENT
Ø REFLECTOR
Ø SHIELDING
Ø REACTOR VESSEL
18. Discuss Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) with neat sketch.

Ans.
 The BWR uses dematerialized water as a coolant and neutron moderator. Heat is produced by
nuclear fission in the reactor core, and this causes the cooling water to boil, producing steam. The
steam is directly used to drive a turbine, after which it is cooled in a condenser and converted
back to liquid water. This water is then returned to the reactor core, completing the loop.

Advantages:

Ø The pressure inside the reactor is less than PWR as water is allowed to boil inside the
reactor. Therefore the reactor vessel can be much lighter than PWR and reduce the cost
of pressure vessel considerably.
Ø It eliminates the use of heat exchanger pressure equalizer circulating pump and piping
therefore the cost of further reduced.
Ø The thermal efficiency of this reactor is 30% is considerably higher than PWR plant.
Ø The metal temperature remains low for given output conditions.

Disadvantages:

Ø The steam leaving the reactor is slightly radioactive. Therefore light shielding of turbine
and piping is necessary.
Ø It cannot meet the sudden changes in load the plant.
Ø The size of vessel is comparatively large as compare to PWR.
Ø It required enriched uranium as a fuel.
19. Discuss Chain Reaction in Nuclear Power plant.

Ans.

A nuclear chain reaction occurs when one single nuclear reaction causes an average of one or
more subsequent nuclear reactions, thus leading to the possibility of a self- propagating series of
these reactions.

Essential condition for the practical condition of nuclear energy is that self-sustaining chain
reaction should be maintained. The neutrons released have very high velocity of the order of 1.5
X 107 m/s. The energy liberated in chain reaction is according to Einstein law E= mc2 and it is
 several million times more energy per reaction than any chemical reaction. To maintain continues
chain reaction it should be less leakage of neutrons.

20. What is the difference between fissionable and fertile materials?

Ans.

Fissionable Materials: This kind of materials is those which are capable of sustaining a fission
chain reaction. U235 is the only fissionable isotope found in nature.

Fertile Materials: It is non fissionable material which can be converted into fissionable materials.
U238 and Th232 can be converted in to fissionable materials. The chain reaction cannot be
maintained in some reactors with natural uranium having only 0.7 % fissionable U235 therefore it
is necessary to increase the percentage of U235 in the fuel if it is used in reactor. The process used
to increase the percentage of U235 is known as enrichment of fuel.

21. Write a note on fast breeder reactor.

Ans.

The process of converting more fertile material into fissile material in a reactor is called breeding.
In fast breeder reactor the core containing U235 is surrounded by a blanket of fertile material U238.
In this reactor no moderator is used the fast moving neutrons liberated due to fission of U235 are
absorbed by U238 which gets converted in to Pu239 a fissile material. This reactor also uses two
liquid metal coolants in which sodium is used as primary coolant and sodium potassium as
secondary coolant (sodium boils at 850 OC under atmospheric pressure and freeze at 95 OC).

The reactor also used two liquid metal coolants in which sodium is used as primary coolants and
sodium potassium as secondary coolants. Liquid sodium is circulated through the reactor to carry
the heat produced. The heat produced by the sodium is transferred to secondary coolant sodium
potassium in the primary heat exchanger which in turn transfer the heat in secondary heat
exchanger called steam generator.
 Advantages:

Ø It gives high power density than any other reactor therefore small core is
sufficient.
Ø Moderator is not required.
Ø Secondary fusible materials by breeding are obtained.
Ø Absorption of neutrons is slow.

Disadvantages:

Ø It require highly enriched uranium fuel.

Ø Safety must be provided against melt down.
Ø Neutron flux is high at the center of the core.
Ø Thick shielding is necessary.
22. Differentiate between nuclear fusion and fission.

Ans.

Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission

1. Two or more light nuclei fuse to form a 1. A heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter
heavier nucleus. nuclei.
2. It is possible to have four thousandths of 2. About one thousandths of the mass is
mass converted into energy. converted into energy.

3. Because of lesser radioactive material 3. Because of higher radioactive material health

health hazards is much less. hazards is high in case of accidents.

4. The process is possible only at very high 4. The process is possible at room temperature.
temperatures.
5. It is extremely difficult to construct 5. It is possible to construct self-sustained fission
controlled fusion reactor. reactors and have positive energy release.

6. The links of the process are protons. 6. The links of the process are neutorns.

23. Write down the function of following components of nuclear reactor :1) Moderator 2) Control
rod

Ans.

1) Moderator:

The function of the moderator is to slow down the neutrons from high kinetic energy to low
kinetic energy in a fraction of the second. The main function of the moderator is to increase the
probability of the reaction. The fission chain reaction in the nuclear reactor is maintained due to
slow neutrons when ordinary uranium used as a fuel. Moderators are lighter then fuel like water,
heavy water, graphite and beryllium. Graphite and heavy water is used as a moderator with
natural uranium. For enriched uranium ordinary water is used.
 Following are few Characteristics of moderators:

1) It must be as light as possible.

2) It must not absorb the neutrons.
3) It must be work under high temperature and pressure with good corrosion
resistance.
4) It must have high chemical stability.
5) It must have high heat conductivity.
6) If it is in form of solid then it must have high melting point and good machinability.

2) Control rod:

The control road controls the rate of energy which is generated. Function of control rod is to start
and stop the reactor. It is also used to increase and decrease the reaction. The rod may be shaped
like fuel rod themselves and are interspersed throughout the reactor core. The control is
necessary to prevent the melting of fuel rods, disintegration of coolant and destruction of reactor
as the amount of energy released is enormous. Control rod maid by materials like cadmium, boron
etc.

24. Explain construction and working of Turbojet.

Ans.

The turbojet engine is similar to the simple open cycle constant pressure gas turbine plant, except
that the exhaust gases are first partially expanded in the turbine to produce just sufficient power
to drive the compressor. The exhaust gases leaving the turbine are then expanded to atmospheric
pressure in a propelling (discharge) nozzle. The remaining energy of gases after leaving the turbine
is used as a high speed jet from which the thrust is obtained for forward movement of the aircraft

The essential components of a turbojet engine are:

An entrance air diffuser (diverging duct) in front of the compressor, which causes rise in pressure
in the entering air by slowing it down. This is known as ram. The pressure at entrance to the
compressor is about 1-25 times the ambient pressure.

A rotary compressor, which raises the pressure of air further to required value and delivers to the
combustion chamber. The compressor is the radial or axial type and is driven by the turbine.

The combustion chamber, in which paraffin (kerosene) is sprayed, as a result of this combustion
takes place at constant pressure and the temperature of air is raised.

The gas turbine into which products of combustion pass on leaving the combustion chamber. The
products of combustion are partially expanded in the turbine to provide necessary power to drive
the compressor.

The discharge nozzle in which expansion of gases is completed, thus developing the forward
thrust.

Working Cycle:

Air from surrounding atmosphere is drawn in through the diffuser, in which air is compressed
partially by ram effect. Then air enters the rotary compressor and major part of the pressure rise
is accomplished here. The air is compressed to a pressure of about 4 atmospheres.

From the compressor the air passes into the annular combustion chamber. The fuel is forced by
the oil pump through the fuel nozzle into the combustion chamber. Here the fuel is burnt at
constant pressure. This raises the temperature and volume of the mixture of air and products of
combustion.

The hot gases from the combustion chamber then pass through the turbine nozzle ring. The hot
gases which partially expand in the turbine are then exhausted through the discharge (propelling
 nozzle) by which the remaining enthalpy is converted into kinetic energy. Thus, a high velocity
propulsion jet is produced.

25. Explain the principle of jet and rocket propulsion with neat sketch.

Ans.

Ramjet engine:

A French engineer, Rane Lorin invented and patented the first ram jet in 1913. It is a steady
combustion or continuous flow engine. It has the simplest construction of any propulsion engine
consisting essentially of an inlet diffuser, a combustion chamber, and an exit nozzle or tailpipe.

Since the ram jet has no compressor, it is dependent entirely upon ram compression. Ram
compression is the transformation of the kinetic energy of the entering air into pressure energy.
After the ram jet is boosted, the- velocity of the air entering the diffuser is decreased and is
accompanied by an increase in pressure. This creates a pressure barrier at the after end of the
diffuser. The fuel that is sprayed into the combustion chamber through injection nozzles is mixed
with the air and ignited by means of a spark plug.
 The expansion of the gases toward the diffuser entrance is restricted by the pressure barrier at
the after end of the diffuser; consequently, the gases are constrained to expand through the tail
pipe and out through the exit nozzle at a high velocity. Sometimes, the pressure barrier is not
effective and that there are pulsations created in the combustion chamber which affect the air
flow in front of the diffuser. The cycle for an ideal ram jet, which has an isentropic entrance
diffuser and exit nozzle, is the Joule cycle as shown by the dotted lines in figure.

Rocket engine:

A rocket engine is a type of jet engine that uses only stored rocket propellant mass for forming its
high speed propulsive jet. Rocket engines are reaction engines, obtaining thrust in accordance
with newton's third law. Most rocket engines are internal combustion engines. Vehicles propelled
by rocket engines are commonly called rockets.

Rocket engines produce thrust by the expulsion of an exhaust fluid which has been accelerated
to a high speed through a propelling nozzle. The fluid is usually a gas created by high pressure
combustion of solid or liquid propellants, consisting of fuel and oxidiser components, within
a combustion chamber. The nozzle uses the heat energy released by expansion of the gas to
accelerate the exhaust to very high (supersonic) speed, and the reaction to this pushes the engine
in the opposite direction.

26. Discuss Turbojet Engine, also discuss equations of thrust, Thrust power, Propulsive efficiency
and Thermal efficiency.

Ans.

Turbojet Engine:
Air from surrounding atmosphere is drawn in through the diffuser, in which air is compressed
partially by ram effect. Then air enters the rotary compressor and major part of the pressure rise
is accomplished here. The air is compressed to a pressure of about 4 atmospheres.
From the compressor the air passes into the annular combustion chamber. The fuel is forced by
the oil pump through the fuel nozzle into the combustion chamber. Here the fuel is burnt at
constant pressure. This raises the temperature and volume of the mixture of air and products of
combustion.
The hot gases from the combustion chamber then pass through the turbine nozzle ring. The hot
gases which partially expand in the turbine are then exhausted through the discharge (propelling
nozzle) by which the remaining enthalpy is converted into kinetic energy. Thus, a high velocity
propulsion jet is produced.
Thrust:
The jet aircraft draws in air and expels it to the rear at a markedly increased velocity. The action
of accelerating the mass of fluid in a given direction creates a reaction in the opposite direction in
the form of a propulsive force. The magnitude of this propulsive force is defined as thrust. It is
dependent upon the rate of change of momentum of the working medium i.e. air, as it passes
through the engine. The basis for comparison of jet engines is the thrust. The thrust, T of a turbojet
engine can be expressed as,
T = m (Vj - Vo)
Where,
M = mass flow rate of gases, kg/sec
Vi = exit jet velocity, m/sec Vo = vehicle velocity, m/sec

Thrust power:

Thrust power is the time rate of development of the useful work achieved by the engine and it is
obtained by the product of the thrust and the flight velocity of the vehicle. Thus, thrust power TP
is given by

TP = Tv0 = m (vj - v0) vo Nm/s

Propulsive power:

The kinetic energy imparted to the fluid or the energy required to change the momentum of the
mass flow of air, is the difference between the rate of kinetic energy of entering air and the rate
of kinetic energy of the exist gases and is called propulsive power. The propulsive power PP is
given by,
!" ! #!$!
PP = m! " Nm/s
%

Propulsive efficiency:

Propulsive efficiency is defined 'as the ratio of thrust power and propulsive power and is the
measure of the effectiveness with which the kinetic energy imparted to the fluid is transformed
or converted into useful work.
&'()*+ -./0( %
𝜂= = "#
1(.-)2*340 -./0( 5 678
"$

Thermal efficiency:

Thermal efficiency of a propulsion is an indication of the degree of utilization of energy in fuel

(heat supplied) in accelerating the fluid flow and is defined as the increase in the kinetic energy
of the fluid (propulsive power) and the heat supplied. Thus,
Propulsive power Propulsive power
Thermal efficiency = 𝜂𝑇 = heat supplied
= Fuel flow rate ×[Link] fuel
27. Explain the working principle of Turboprop engine with neat sketch.

Ans.

The turbojet engine or other jet engine has a poor performance at low speed and take-off
conditions, while I.C. engine propelled system is used only for short range flight with speed limited
of 700 km/hr. A higher thrust per unit mass flow of fuel can be obtained by increasing the mass
flow of air and that this also results in better fuel economy. This face is utilized in turboprop engine
which is an intermediate device between a jet engine and propeller driven by I.C. engine. A
turboprop engine is also called turbojet.

Air from surrounding atmosphere is drawn in through the diffuser, in which air is compressed
partially by ram effect. Then air enters the rotary compressor and major part of the pressure rise
is accomplished here. The air is compressed to a pressure of about 4 atmospheres.

From the compressor the air passes into the annular combustion chamber. The fuel is forced by
the oil pump through the fuel nozzle into the combustion chamber. Here the fuel is burnt at
constant pressure. This raises the temperature and volume of the mixture of air and products of
combustion.

The hot gases from the combustion chamber then pass through the turbine nozzle ring. The hot
gases which partially expand in the turbine are then exhausted through the discharge (propelling
nozzle) by which the remaining enthalpy is converted into kinetic energy. Thus, a high velocity
propulsion jet is produced.

28. State classification of rocket engines.

Ans.