Thermal Power Plant with 1 GW Capacity for Meeting Future National Electric Demands

Abstract

An analysis for a conceptual design of a thermal power plant (with a power capacity of 1 GW) is provided. This power plant can help in meeting the expected increase in the electric demand for Oman’s dominant power system (2.4 GW between 2018 and 2025). A necessary fluid mass flow rate of 834.1 kg/s was predicted. The overall energy conversion efficiency (output useful electricity divided by input heat) was estimated to be 34.7%. The needed thermal energy is not restricted to a specific source, and solar heating is an option for supplying the needed heat. The power plant design is based on using a steam-turbine section, which may be composed of a single large steam turbine having a mechanical power output of 1115 MW; or composed of a group of smaller steam turbines. The analysis is based on applying energy balance equations under certain assumptions (such as neglecting changes in potential energy). The thermal analysis was aided by web-based tool for calculating needed properties of the working medium, which is water, at different stages in the power plant.