Condenser-side integration of a simple solar-type waste heat recovery device in a thermal plant

In this paper, the integration and applicability of solar thermal technology with a thermal plant condenser is examined. This is proposed as a heat transfer enhancement measure in improving the thermal efficiency of power generating plants. Equally, a thermodynamic investigation into the rankine plant is undertaken, in addition to evaluating the heat transfer performance of a novel dual plate flow-directional absorber (DPFA), which is coupled to the condenser. The major benefit of the DFPA over other absorber designs is that it has simultaneous serial and counter-flow functionality (with different flow configurations in different operational modes): this is particularly useful in absorbing radiation from twin sources simultaneously and independently, while generating additional work for other thermal applications. Results confirm considerable exergy destruction in the plant in varying operating conditions, and significant waste heat recovery prospect.