Resumo:
The main goal of this work is the application of the thermoeconomics concepts
according to the methodology proposed by Theory of Exergetic Cost in a preliminary
study of a great load thermal unit. It is about of a conventional unit burning a blend of a
powdered coal located in the Drax power station (Yorkshire, England). The energy,
exergetic and thermoeconomic analysis are applied in order to evaluate the efficiencies
and irreversibilities of the several equipments that constitute the thermal unit. The
exergetic and exergoeconomic costs of the internal flows as well as the final product,
which is the net electric power generation of the unit, are obtained. It is also argued the
conventional thermodynamic cycles as well as the constructive characteristics of the
equipments that constitute a great load plant.
Technologies capable to improve the global efficiency of the burning coal
power thermodynamic cycles as well as the mitigation of the pollutant produced and
emitted for the mineral coal burned are presented. A report about the origin, the
characteristics, Rank, reserves, prices and productions in national and international
scale of the mineral coal along the years is presented. A general view as well as a brief
description about the Drax Power Plant is also presented. A case study is carry out, and
through the results, it was possible to evaluate and discuss the possibilities of
improvement of this thermal unit bearing in mind the knowledge of the equipments
which the improvement or control should be more significant. It was also argued the
possibility to build an unit of great load in the South of Brazil.
