22-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation: May 2018

Paper format. 16-Mec-B3 Energy Conversion and Power Generation, National Examinations, May 2018. Three hours, closed book. Two sections: Section A is calculative (Questions 1–5) and Section B is descriptive (Questions 6–8). Candidates answer four questions from Section A and two from Section B; six questions of 10 marks each constitute a complete paper (60 marks). Reference data for individual questions are bound in as attachments on pages 9–15, reference formulae and constants on pages 16–19, and Granet & Bluestein steam tables are supplied. All eight questions are solved below, because the set is a study resource rather than a timed attempt.

Reference texts.

• Granet, I. and Bluestein, M., Thermodynamics and Heat Power, 6th ed. — the steam tables issued with this paper, and the vapour-cycle and gas-cycle chapters.
• Çengel, Y. A. and Boles, M. A., Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, 9th ed. — Brayton and Rankine cycles, combined cycles, isentropic component efficiencies.
• El-Wakil, M. M., Powerplant Technology — heat recovery steam generators and pinch behaviour, condensers and their off-design response, boiler heat-absorption surfaces, load scheduling.
• Lamarsh, J. R. and Baratta, A. J., Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 4th ed. — the pressurised water reactor, primary loop heat removal, once-through steam generators.
• Dixon, S. L. and Hall, C. A., Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Turbomachinery, 7th ed. — hydraulic turbines, net head and the energy accounting of a waterway.

Wherever the paper's own attachments carry a value that duplicates a computed result — the Koeberg terminal temperature difference and back pressure on page 10, the gas-turbine output quoted in the preamble to Question 2, the published rating of the Oconee unit — that printed value is used as an independent check and the agreement is quoted in the answer.