22-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation, May 2015: worked solutions

Paper format: National Examinations, May 2015 — 07-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation. Three hours, closed book. Two sections: Section A calculative (Questions 1–4) and Section B descriptive (Questions 5–6). Candidates do three questions from Section A and one from Section B; four questions constitute a complete paper (60 marks, each question 15 marks). Reference data are bound in on pages 9–12, reference formulae and constants on pages 13–16, and the Granet & Bluestein steam tables are supplied. All six questions are solved here, so that the paper works as a complete study resource.

Reference texts for 22-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation

M. M. El-Wakil, Powerplant Technology — steam-plant heat balances, combined cycles, cooling towers, environmental impact.
I. Granet & M. Bluestein, Thermodynamics and Heat Power, 6th ed. — the steam tables supplied with this paper.
Y. A. Çengel & M. A. Boles, Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach — Brayton, Rankine and regenerative cycle analysis.
J. R. Lamarsh & A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering — fission, reactor components, heat removal.
A. Rayaprolu, Boilers for Power and Process — coal characterisation, proximate and ultimate analysis, pulverised firing.
T. Burton et al., Wind Energy Handbook — actuator-disc theory, the Betz limit, real rotor performance.

Canadian frame: CANDU is used as the reference reactor, and the environmental discussion follows Canadian regulators (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provincial thermal-discharge limits).

22-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation: May 2015