Teaching Thermodynamics via Analysis of the West Point Power Plant

Abstract

Thermodynamic analyses can be performed based on energy-gross and exergy-net quantities. These topics are discussed in the context of the United States Military Academy at West Point's power plant and the project that students work on as a part of their course requirements for three courses. A systematic, detailed, and comprehensive methodology is presented based on recent experiences that can be a standard for similar academic instruction of thermodynamic concepts and power plants. A well-defined case study for the classroom will yield more effective learning of and inspire a greater appreciation for critical power technologies.

Keywords:

• Design
• Exergy
• Power plant
• Second Law efficiency
• Thermodynamics

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the position of the United States Military Academy, the Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense.