In normal operation, a paper mill generates excess steam at 20 bar and 400◦C. It is planned to use this steam as the feed to a turbine to generate electricity for the mill. There are 5000 kg/hr of steam available, and it is planned that the exit pressure of the steam will be 2 bar. Assuming that the turbine is well insulated, what is the maximum power that can be generated by the turbine?

Question

Engineering

Carson Greene

11 July, 13:01

In normal operation, a paper mill generates excess steam at 20 bar and 400◦C. It is planned to use this steam as the feed to a turbine to generate electricity for the mill. There are 5000 kg/hr of steam available, and it is planned that the exit pressure of the steam will be 2 bar. Assuming that the turbine is well insulated, what is the maximum power that can be generated by the turbine?

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Answers (1)

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Sebastian Berg · Answer 1

The maximum power that can be generated is 127.788 kW

Explanation:

Using the steam table

Enthalpy at 20 bar = 2799 kJ/kg

Enthalpy at 2 bar = 2707 kJ/kg

Change in enthalpy = 2799 - 2707 = 92 kJ/kg

Mass flow rate of steam = 5000 kg/hr = 5000 kJ/hr * 1 hr/3600 s = 1.389 kg/s

Maximum power generated = change in enthalpy * mass flow rate = 92 kJ/kg * 1.389 kg/s = 127.788 kJ/s = 127.788 kW