Fuel oil is used to fire a small power plant to generate ele

Fuel oil is used to fire a small power plant to generate electricity. The fuel oil fires a boiler that generates steam which in turn drives a steam turbine connected to an electric generator. The power plant requires 160 lb_m/h of fuel oil to steadily generate electrical energy at the rate of 290 kW. In addition, the combustion of the fuel requires 15.8 lb_m of air for each pound-mass of fuel supplied to the power plant. Using the accounting concept and stating all assumptions, determine: the rate at which air must be supplied to the power plant and the rate at which exhaust and ash (combined) are produced, in units of lb_m/h. the amount of fuel required and the amount of exhaust and ash (combined) produced, in lb_m, if the plant operates continuously for 24 hours.

Solution

a) amount of air required = 15.8 * 24 lb_m/ hr

= 384  lb_m/ hr

rate at which exhaust and ash generated = 384 + 160 / 2

=262  lb_m/ hr

b) amount of fuel = 160 * 24  lb_m

   ₌ 38 40