In a steam power plant water is used for cooling purposes in

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Condenser

Explanation: In a steam power plant, a condenser is used to condense the exhaust steam from the turbine back into liquid water. Cold water (circulating water) flows through the condenser tubes to absorb the latent heat of the steam, facilitating this phase change.

Working Principle: The exhaust steam from the turbine at low pressure enters the condenser shell. Cold cooling water circulates inside the tubes, creating a large temperature gradient between the steam and the water. The steam loses its latent heat to the cooling water, condenses into condensate, and is then pumped back to the boiler.

Key Formulas: $Q = \dot{m} \cdot \Delta h$; $Q = U \cdot A \cdot \Delta T_{lm}$

Key Points: Condensers operate at sub-atmospheric pressure to increase the turbine work output.; The heat removed in the condenser is known as the heat rejected ($Q_{out}$) in the Rankine cycle.; Efficient condensation reduces the backpressure on the turbine, improving thermal efficiency.; Cooling water sources include rivers, cooling towers, or lakes.

Advantages: Increases the overall thermal efficiency of the plant.; Allows for the reuse of feed water, reducing makeup water requirements.

Disadvantages: Requires large quantities of cooling water.; Prone to fouling and scaling in tubes, reducing heat transfer efficiency.

Applications: Steam Power Plants; Nuclear Power Plants; Geothermal Power Plants

Additional Info: The boiler, economizer, and super-heater are heating components that increase the temperature or enthalpy of water/steam, whereas the condenser is a heat rejection component.. Condensers are either surface type or jet type.

Answer: C is correct — The condenser uses circulating cold water to condense exhaust steam into liquid, which is essential for maintaining vacuum pressure and reclaiming feedwater.

Exam Tip: Remember the Rankine cycle order: Boiler -> Turbine -> Condenser -> Pump. The condenser is the only component where heat is rejected to the environment.

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