On the energy and exergy analysis of a 500 Kw steam power plant at Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP)

Abstract

Thermodynamic systems are analysed using two essential tools (The Energy and Exergy Analysis). However, system analysis based on the energy law (quantity) alone is deceptive, because the exergy law shows that energy has quantity as well as quality. The normal energy analysis evaluates the energy on its quantity only. The aim of this study is to use energy and exergy analysis to identify the locations and magnitudes of losses in order to maximise the performance of a 500 KW open system steam power plant at BOPP. The required outputs (work, heat and irreversibility) of the various components are assessed and calculated using mass, energy and exergy balance equations. The results indicate that about 50 % of heat energy generated in the combustor is destroyed. In conclusion, further improvement in the combustor will maximize the plant performance hence the results show how energy and exergy have been used to locate places of inefficiencies in the plant.