Development of a Software for The Analysis of Simple Vapour Power Cycles with Open Feed Water Heaters

Abstract

Energy goes a long way in affecting the lives of individuals, companies and nations at large. The discovery of electrical energy is the catalyst and driving force for the transformation from the crude age to the jet age. Hence, it is rightful to say, that the steam power plant has seen positive improvements, since the introduction of technology. This improvement covers increased accuracy, elimination of time wastage, and room for smarter research. This study involved the development of a unique software that was used for the analysis of a steam power plant. MATLAB a powerful programming language for Engineers was used to create a standalone application, which can be installed on computers and Android device. Matlab’s guide was used enormously as well as GUI, but other functions were created Also, the Steady State Energy Flow Equation was used in writing the Matlab codes for the developed standalone Rankine Cycle analysis software. The developed Standalone software was tested by comparing the results obtained from the software and the results from manual calculations The percentage error difference between the developed standalone and manual computation results of 0.0328% and 0.0395% was obtained for thermal cycle efficiency and net workdone respectively for a simple Rankine Cycle problem. Thus, this revealed a high level of accuracy of the standalone software. This software can therefore be recommended for classroom demonstration in solving Simple Vapour Power cycles with only two configurations (i.e. with open feed water heaters and without feed water heaters).