Module 5: Nuclear Power Plant, Geothermal Power Plant, Hydro-Electric Power Plant and

Heat Exchanger.
Instruction: CHANGE the highlighted variable to a value you want to use. Each problem must be
presented in the following order:
1. Problem – with the chosen value indicated in the problem.
2. Complete Solutions – with the formula, substitutions and conversions if there are any.
3. Final Answer – must be in the appropriate unit if not specified.

Due: Mar 29, 2022 at 6:00 pm

1. Assume that all the energy released on the fission of x grams of natural uranium is captured for use. How many KW.hr of energy
can be obtained from this x grams of natural uranium?

2. A nuclear plant with a rating of 800 MW uses U235 and has a thermal efficiency of x%. It is expected that y% of the U235 contained
in the original fuel will be consumed during the first year of operation. Calculate the initial fuel requirement in tons.

3. A BWR Nuclear Power Plant uses natural uranium with 0.7% U235, estimate the quantity of natural uranium required annually if only
x % of fuel is depleted for a 50 MW plant capacity. Mass of steam for power production is y kg/sec and the enthalpy difference of the
coolant in the reactor is 2640 KJ/kg.

4. What is the mass of steam needed for a x MW BWR Nuclear Power Plant generating saturated steam at 1.5 MPa(hg = 2792.2
KJ/kg;hf = 844.89 KJ/kg; sg = 6.4448; sf = 2.3150 KJ/kg.K). The steam drives a straight-condensing turbine with exhaust pressure of
6 KPa(hg = 2567.4; hf = 151.53 KJ/kg; sg = 8.3304; sf = 0.5210 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0010064 m3/kg). The turbine over-all efficiency is y%.

5. A BWR Nuclear Power Plant generates steam at 1.5 MPa, D and S(hg = 2792.2 KJ/kg;hf = 844.89 KJ/kg; sg = 6.4448; sf = 2.3150
KJ/kg.K). The steam drives a straight-condensing turbine with exhaust pressure of 6 KPa(hg = 2567.4; hf = 151.53 KJ/kg; sg = 8.3304;
sf = 0.5210 KJ/kg.K; vg = 0.0010064 m3/kg). The turbine over-all efficiency is x%. The fuel is natural uranium with 0.7% U235. The
fuel core is to be replaced annually with y% fuel depletion and 30% neutron loss. For z MW plant capacity, how much quantity of
natural uranium required annually?

6. In a PWR nuclear power plant, the coolant leaves the reactor at 300 C(h = 1342 KJ/kg) and enters at 200 C( h = 856); the pressure
is maintained at 10 MPa. The boiler produces dry and saturated steam at 1.5 MPa(h = 2792.2 KJ/kg). Exhaust steam leaves the turbine
at 6 KPa(hf = 151.53; hg = 2567.4; sf = 0.521; sg = 8.3304) and 98% quality. The feedwater enters the boiler at 80 C( hf = 334.91; sf
= 0.0010753 KJ/kg.K). The mechanical-electrical efficiency is x%. If the plant output is yMW, determine the steam flow requirements.

7. How much coolant water is needed for a x MW PWR nuclear power plant if the coolant leaves the reactor at 300 C(h = 1342 KJ/kg)
and enters at 200 C( h = 856); the pressure is maintained at 10 MPa. The boiler produces dry and saturated steam at 1.5 MPa(h =
2792.2 KJ/kg). Exhaust steam leaves the turbine at 6 KPa(hf = 151.53; hg = 2567.4; sf = 0.521; sg = 8.3304) and y% quality. The
feedwater enters the boiler at 80 C( hf = 334.91; sf = 0.0010753 KJ/kg.K). The mechanical-electrical efficiency is z%.

8. In a nuclear power plant, it is desired to estimate the fuel requirement for its reactor which is to operate at a thermal level of 600,000
kilowatts per day continuously for two years. The fuel is uranium containing x per cent of U-235 Isotope. Fuel element will be removed
from the reactor for reprocessing when one per cent of the U-235 has fissioned. Preliminary calculations indicate that 800 megawatt-
days of energy result from the fissioning of one gram of U-235. Determine total weight in pounds of Uranium that must be put into the
core of the reactor during the two-year period.

9. There are x kg/hr of coolant water circulated from/to a PW reactor at 15 Mpa. Coolant enters the boiler at 300 C and leaves at 250
C. The boiler efficiency is 85 % with steam generated at 1 Mpa D and S. The steam turbine is straight condensing with exhaust at 10
KPa. The over-all efficiency is y %. Feedwater is available at z C. What is the probable power output of the plant?

10. A BWR Nuclear Power Plant generates steam at 2 MPa, D and S. It is used to drive a turbine with exhaust at 100 KPa and over-
all efficiency of 88%. The fuel used is x % enriched Uranium. If only y % of the fuel is depleted annually with 60 % neutron loss,
estimate the quantity of natural uranium required annually for a z MW plant?

11. A vapor dominated geothermal plant uses saturated steam at 2.75 MPa(h = 2803.9 KJ/kg). The turbine efficiency is 82% and the
mechanical efficiency is y%. Steam enters the turbine at x MPa and exhaust to an enthalpy of 2332 KJ/kg at a pressure of 0.014
MPa(hf = 219.99 KJ/kg). Calculate the plant thermal efficiency.

12. In a geothermal field steam at 5 MPa(2796 KJ/kg) is available at x kg/hr per well. Steam turbine rated at y MW at an exhaust
enthalpy of 1860 is used. How many wells should be operated at full capacity?

13. In a geothermal field, hot water is available at 5 MPa, 250 C(h = 1085.3 KJ/kg). Hot water undergoes flashing by throttling it in a
flash tank at 700 KPa(hf = 697.22; hg = 2763.5; sf = 1.9922; sg = 6.708 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.001108 m3/kg). The steam turbine exhaust at
6 KPa(hf = 151.53; hg = 2567.4; sf = 0.521; sg = 8.3304), x% quality; mechanical-electrical efficiency is y%. If there are z kg per hour
of hot water flowing, determine the capacity of the plant.

14. In a geothermal field, saturated steam at 5 MPa( h = 2794.3 KJ/kg; s = 5.9734 KJ/kg.K) is available flowing at a rate of x kg/sec
per well. There will be two y MW steam turbine-generator unit to be installed. Exhaust is at 6 KPa(hf = 151.53; hg = 2567.4; sf = 0.521;
sg = 8.3304) and over-all efficiency is z%. How many wells has to be operated to drive the units at full capacity?

15. A flashed steam geothermal power plant is located where underground hot water is available as a saturated liquid at 170°C(hg =
2768.7; hf = 719.21 KJ/kg; sg = 6.6663; sf = 2.0419 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0011143 m3/kg). The wellhead pressure is 700 KPa(hf = 697.22;
hg = 2763.5; sf = 1.9922; sg = 6.708 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.001108 m3/kg). The flashed steam enters a turbine at 620 KPa(hf = 676.15; hg =
2758.3; sf = 1.9441; sg = 6.749 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0011021 m3/kg) and expands to a condenser temperature af 50°C(hf = 209.33; hg =
2592.1; sf = 0.7038; sg = 8.0763 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0010121 m3/kg), The flow rate from the well is x Kg/sec. Determine the mass flow
rate of steam in kilograms per second.
16. A flashed-steam geothermal power plant is located where underground hot water is available as saturated liquid at 700 kPa(hf =
697.22; hg = 2763.5; sf = 1.9922; sg = 6.708 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.001108 m3/kg), The well head pressure is 620 kPa(hf = 676.15; hg =
2758.3; sf = 1.9441; sg = 6.749 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0011021 m3/kg). The flashed steam enters a turbine at 500 kPa(hf = 640.23; hg =
2748.7; sf = 1.8607; sg = 6.8213 KJ/kg.K; vf = 0.0010926 m3/kg) and expands to 6 KPa(hf = 151.53; hg = 2567.4; sf = 0.521; sg =
8.3304), when it is condensed. The flow rate from the well is x kg/s. Determine the power produce in KW.

17. A geothermal power plant draws hot pressurized water from a well at 20 MPa and 300°C(h = 1333.3; s = 3.2071). To produce a
steam-water mixture in the separator where the unflashed water is removed, this water is throttled to a pressure of 1.5 MPa(hg = 2792.2
KJ/kg;hf = 844.89 KJ/kg; sg = 6.4448; sf = 2.3150 KJ/kg.K). The flashed steam, which is dry and saturated, passes through the steam
collector and enters the turbine at 1.5 MPa and expands to 1 atm(hg = 2584.7 KJ/kg;hf = 191.83 KJ/kg; sg = 8.1502; sf = 0.6493
KJ/kg.K). The turbine efficiency is x% at a rated power output of y MW. Calculate the groundwater flow rate in kg/hr required for
continuous separation.

18. In a geothermal field, saturated steam at x MPa is supplied to a y MW steam turbine – generator unit which exhaust the steam at
10 KPa. The over-all efficiency is 90 %. If a well produces z m3/hr of saturated steam, how many wells has to be operated to drive the
units at full capacity?

19. A liquid dominated geothermal plant with a single flash separator receives water at x C. The separator pressure is 1.04 MPa. A direct-
contact condenser operates at 0.034 MPa. The turbine has a polytropic efficiency of y%. For a cycle output of z MW, what is the mass
flow rate of the well-water in kg/sec.

20. A 30 MW Geothermal Power Plant is to be installed by flashing ground water to x KPa. The steam turbine is non-condensing with
atmospheric exhaust. The turbine efficiency is 90% and the mechanical-electrical efficiency is 85 %. Ground water is available at y
Mpa, 250 C. At what flow rate of ground water is required to deliver the proposed capacity?

21. A hydro-electric plant has a gross head of x m, It uses a 9 m wide and a.5 depth rectangular gate. The average water velocity is
y m/s. Assume a coefficient of discharge of 60.5%, leakage loss equal to 5% of the discharge flow and the utilized by the turbine
blades is 60 m. Determine the volumetric efficiency.

22. It is desired to develop a x KW impulse turbine under an effective head of y m. The turbine efficiency is 87%. Velocity coefficient
of the nozzle is 98%. What should be the diameter of the wheel?

23. A hydro-electric plant has a gross head of x m, It uses a 9 m wide and a.5 depth rectangular gate. The average water velocity is
y m/s. Assume a coefficient of discharge of 60.5%, leakage loss equal to 5% of the discharge flow and the utilized by the turbine
blades is 60 m. It has a generator with an efficiency of 95% and the fluid friction loss equal to z% of the gross head. Determine the
electric power generated.

24. A hydraulic turbine receives water from a reservoir at an elevation of x m above the tailrace. For a y KW, what volume of water
flow is requires for a continuous operation?

25. At the inlet of a reaction turbine, water enters at 20 ft per second and the pressure head is measured at x ft. The tailrace is 10 ft
below the turbine. Determine the turbine head if this turbine delivers y hp using 50 ft3 per second of water.

26. A hydro-electric plant having 50 sq. km reservoir area and x m head is used to generate power. The energy utilized by the
consumers whose load is connected to the power plant during a five hour period is 13.5 x 10 6 KW.hr. The over-all generation
efficiency is y%. Find the fall in the height of water in the reservoir after the 5 hr period.

27. An impulse turbine which has a diameter , D = x in; speed, N = 350 rpm; coefficient of velocity, cv = 0.98; relative speed,  =
0.45; generator eff, e = 0.9 and nozzle diameter, d = y in. Compute the power input in Hp.

28. A hydro-electric plant has x KW generator coupled to a Francis type hydraulic turbine. The total gross head on the turbine is y m
while the loss of head due to friction is 4%. The generator efficiency is 96% based from a runaway speed not exceeding 750 rpm.
The turbine has an efficiency of 80%. Determine the volume flow rate in cu.m per second.

29. A hydro-electric power plant having a headwater elevation of x m and tailwater elevation of 60 m is discharging water at y kg/sec.
Head loss is 6.5 m, turbine efficiency is y % and generator efficiency is 95 %. Determine brake power output of the turbine.

30. What is KW output of a hydro-electric power plant having a headwater elevation of x m and tailwater elevation of 60 m is discharging
water at y kg/sec. Head loss is z m, turbine efficiency is 90 % and generator efficiency is 95 %.

31. A counter-flow boiler generates steam at a pressure of 6.8 MPa(tsat = 284 C). The tube is heated by a flue gas that enters a
temperature of x C and at a rate of y kg/sec. Assume an over-all coefficient of heat transfer of 74.5 W/m2 C and a flue gas specific
heat of 0.255 Kcal/kg C. For a total heat transfer area of 84.5 m 2, calculate the temperature of flue gas leaving the boiler tube bank.

32. A shell and tube condenser is to be designed to condense x kg/hr of saturated steam at 200 KPa(tsat = 120.23 C; hfg = 2201.9
KJ/kg). Cooling water at 90,000 kg/hr is available at a velocity of 1 m/sec and a temperature of 30 C(cp = 4.176 KJ/kg C). Tubes of 1
in.(OD = 1.315 in; ID = 1.049 in) in diameter, y m long are available for use. Assuming that the over-all coefficient of heat transfer
based on the outside is 2.834 KW/m2 C, find the total number of tubes required.

33. Find the mean temperature difference for a heat exchanger with one shell pass and four tube pass when the temperature of the
entering shell-side fluid is x F, the temperature of the leaving shell-side fluid is y F, the temperature of the entering tube-side fluid is
130 F and the temperature of the leaving tube-side fluid is z F. Assume counter flow and a correction factor of 0.71.

34. A counter flow bank of boiler tubes has a total area of 83.6 m 2 and its over-all coefficient of heat transfer is 73.77 W/m2.C. The
boiler tubes generates dry steam at a pressure of 6.8 MPa(tsat = 283.93 C). The tube bank is heated by flue gas that enters at a
temperature of x C and a rate of 204,081 kg/hr. Assume an average specific heat of y KJ/kg.K for the gas, calculate the temperature
of the gas that leaves the bank of boiler tubes.
35. A parallel flow heat exchanger is to be designed to heat 4535 kg/hr of water from 21 C to x C with steam condensing at y C on
the outside of the tubes. Tubes of 2.54 cm outside diameter and 2.286 cm inside diameter, 2.44 m long are available for use.
Assuming that the average steam-side coefficient is 5,675 W/m2.C and the thermal conductivity of the tube metal is 110.73 W/m.C,
calculate the number of tube per pass.

36. An oil heater heats 100 kg/min of oil from x C to 100 C in a counter flow heat exchanger. The average specific heat of the oil is
2.5 KJ/kg.C. Exhaust gases used for heating enter the heater with an average specific heat of 1 KJ/kg.C; a mass flow rate of 250
kg/min and an initial temperature of y C. The over-all heat transfer coefficient is 75 W/m2.C. Determine the temperature of the gas
leaving the heater.

37. A counter flow heat exchanger is use to heat 100 kg/min of oil at x C to 100 C. The specific heat of oil is y KJ/kg C . Exhaust
gases used for heating has a specific heat of 1 KJ/kg C. If the exhaust gas used has an inlet temperature of 200 C at 250 kg/min,
determine the heating surface are required for an over-all heat transfer coefficient of 75 W/m2 C.

38. An air-cooled condenser is to reject x KW of heat from condensing refrigerant to air. The condenser has an air-side area of 210
m2 and over-all heat transfer coefficient of 0.037 KW/m 2 K; it is supplied with y m3/s of air (density = 1.15 kg/m3). If the condensing
temperature is to be limited to z C, what is the maximum allowable temperature of the inlet air?

39. What is the heat transfer area required for an air-cooled condenser( U = 30 W/m2 K) to transfer x KW of heat using air at y
kg/sec entering at 35 C if the condensing temperature is z C?

40. A 4-pass low pressure heater is designed to heat 92,730 kg/hr of feedwater from 40 C to x C using steam at 70 KPaa (h = 2645
KJ/kg). Assuming no subcooling of condensate, determine the effective length of y mm outside diameter tube with z mm thickness to
be installed if the water velocity inside the tubes is 1.22 m/s and U = 3000 W/m2 K based on the external surfaces of the tubes.