Abstract
Environmental issues and lack of energy resources lead to the utilization of industrial waste heat in thermodynamic applications to improve thermodynamic cycles’ performance and keep pace with climate change. An essential for thermodynamics application is the analysis of power generation cycles. Exergy analysis is a powerful method in the optimization of thermodynamic processes. This chapter examines the modified thermodynamic cycles incorporating renewable energy to compare the different cycle efficiencies. We then evolve the exergy balance equation for it to then be applied to each cycle component. Furthermore, we discuss future technologies for modified Rankine, Stirling, Kalina, and Brayton cycles using a new working fluid, and we discuss the different working fluids and electrical energy storage. We also consider the OTEC Rankine with new working fluids. The continued pursuit for higher thermal efficiencies has resulted in some new modifications to the basic thermodynamic cycle. Steam is the most used working fluid within the vapor power cycle due to its many preferable merits, these include low cost, availability, and high enthalpy of vaporization. This chapter is devoted to the discussion of steam and gas power plants, exploring steam power plants with renewable energy applications and industrial waste heat utilization, these technologies are current trends in the energy world. Regardless of the type of sources used to supply heat to the steam, the steam goes through the same basic cycle. Therefore, all cycle processes analyze in the same manner.