Thermodynamic cycle analysis

An analysis was made of Rankine cycle efficiency in nuclear power plants with and without reheat capabilities. In addition, temperatures and pressures at certain selected locations were carried out to optimize plant efficiency. It was determined that plant efficiency without reheat was 39.03%, with reheat, a maximum efficiency of 4.44% was obtained at a pressure of 435.12 psia. Data also indicate efficiency appears to increase for pressures greater than 720 psia. However, higher pressures cannot be used because calculations indicate these pressure reheat temperatures exceed 1650 R, which is not allowed due to material limitations.