Thermodynamic modeling and exergoeconomic optimization of a steam power plant using a genetic algorithm

In this current study, a comprehensive thermodynamic modeling of a steam power plant is carried out. And then this step and verification of results, the exergoeconomic optimization of a steam power plant is performed. The sum of capital and operational costs in exergoeconomic approach is defined as the objective function. The objective function is minimized using Genetic Algorithm technique subject to list of constraints for obtaining the numerical values of the optimum design parameters. It is observed that with applying exergoeconomic analysis for a case study (Shahid Rajaei Steam Power Plant, Iran), the cycle thermal efficiency improved for 0.85%, the boiler fuel consumption decreased for 0.085 kg/s, the total exergy destruction of the plant decreased for 9369 kW and the total cost (sum of capital and operational costs) of the plant decreased 197 $/h in comparison with the existing values for the studied Shahid Rajaei Power Plant.