Module 1 Test

Test 1 Reflection

  • While working on Test 2 I demonstrated progress in applying Rankine Cycle with superheating, re-heating, and regeneration to steam power plants. The test involved working a steam regenerative cycle in a fully functioning state and semi0functioning state.
  • My solution to the test compared to the solution given was mostly comparable to each other. However, I did make critical errors in both the first and second cases.
    • For the first case, I had the closest line of reasoning when solving. I used the right formulas and applied the right logic when relating to each phase of the system. But when reading the values given for the case, I had a gap in understanding the T-s diagram and the principles associated with superheated water. I had understood that anything to the right of the bell curve was vapor. So, when plotting my t-s diagram I assumed the state of the water coming out of the boiler was vapor. The temperature for this phase was given in the problem at 400°C, which is not vapor, but superheated water. This meant that I was pulling constants from the wrong chart and ending up with incorrect thermal efficiency and net-work. I did not notice this mistake as the solution I had come up with still made sense for the system.
    • In the second case, my first mistake came from not properly associating the adjusted system with first law. This was for both thermal efficiency and net-work. When solving y, I correctly determined that phase 6 and phase 3 were the primary inputs for energy in, but I still used phase 5 and phase 4 in the formal. This was because I had used the same formula, I used to solve case one instead of adjusting it to match the new system configuration.
  • Based on my work compared to the solution given and using the grading rubric, I would give myself a 70. This is because I was able to show a developed understanding of the theory and method of solving a system but a lack of proficiency in identifying material characteristics and adapting the system to a varying design.

Module 2 Test