Thermodynamic comparison of coal-fired and nuclear electrical generating stations

Authors
Citation
Ma. Rosen, Thermodynamic comparison of coal-fired and nuclear electrical generating stations, T CAN SOC M, 24(1B), 2000, pp. 273-283
Citations number
9
Categorie Soggetti
Mechanical Engineering
Journal title
TRANSACTIONS OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
ISSN journal
03158977 → ACNP
Volume
24
Issue
1B
Year of publication
2000
Pages
273 - 283
Database
ISI
SICI code
0315-8977(2000)24:1B<273:TCOCAN>2.0.ZU;2-N
Abstract
The results are reported of energy- and exergy-based comparisons of coal-fi red and nuclear electrical generating stations. Overall energy and exergy e fficiencies, respectively, are 37% and 36% for the coal-fired process, and 30% and 30% for the nuclear process. Energy losses associated with emission s (mainly with spent cooling water) account for all of the energy losses, w hile emission-related exergy losses account for approximately 10% of the ex ergy losses. The remaining exergy losses are associated with internal consu mptions, mainly in components which generate heat by combustion or nuclear reactions, and in components which transfer heat across large temperature d ifferences.