Using Design to Teach Thermodynamic Cycles: Designing a 250 MW Steam Power Plant Using the Rankine Cycle

Power generation is increasingly important in the turbine industry. Students need exposure to the complexities of such systems as found in this design project. This project is part of the second of a two-course thermodynamic sequence designed to provide a foundation in thermodynamics and expose the students to various power generation cycles. One way to teach students the Rankine Cycle is to involve them in the various aspects of the cycle through a design project. Students, in teams of four or five, are given the task of designing a 250 MW steam power plant based on the Rankine Cycle. Calculations are made using the software of choice, usually Engineering Equation Solver (EES). Students are required to make an oral and written presentation. In addition to the presentation of calculations and graphs, an emphasis is placed on describing the general considerations of the design problem and the presentation of the unique advantages of the design. Students gain valuable experience in system optimization and better learn to justify their design decisions. Based on student evaluations the project was well received and increased student interest in the field of power generation. However, there is a need to include an economic component to the problem, and more time must be spent in class discussing typical component operating parameters.