MECH 4409 Energy

Conversion systems
Solar thermal power plants and
wind power
Dr. Paddy K. L. Chan
Mechanical Engineering
pklc@hku.hk
HW 7-2
 Rankine-Cycle Solar Power Plant

Rankine cycle Schematic of a

Solar Boiler
2 3
Boiler

Pump Turbine

Condenser
1 4

Process
1-2 Saturated liquid from the condenser is pumped to high pressure isentropically.
2-3 Liquid is heated in the boiler at constant pressure to superheated vapor.
3-4 Superheated vapor expands isentropically through the turbine. Mechanical
power is produced.
4-1 Saturated vapor leaving the turbine is condensed at constant pressure.
2
Parabolic trough Rankine-cycle solar power plants

SEGS VIII / IX plants

On average, 75% from sun, 25% from natural gas

Power plant electrical conversion efficiency ~ 40%
Solar field efficiency ~ 40 50%
Overall efficiency ~ 15%
3
Parabolic trough Rankine-cycle solar power plants
SEGS (solar electricity generating systems)

4
Heliostat Rankine-cycle solar power plant

SOLAR I : 10MW power generation

5
Superheated steam: 510oC, 10.3MPa
Wind direction and speed measurements

Hot wire
anemometer
 Hot wire anemometer

How does the hot wire probe work?

Example
Horizontal axis wind turbines
Lift and Drag

What is area
A?
Lift and Drag
What is the maximum P in
terms of the V1 and A?
Performance of wind turbine
v velocity of the wire
B magnetic field
L length of the wire