A Dynamic Model of a Condenser in a Closed Rankine Cycle Power Plant

This paper describes a simple model to predict the transient behavior of a condenser when subjected to changes in inlet enthalpy as well as changes in inlet and exit mass flow rates. The model predicts the pressure, fluid temperature, wall temperatures, mass in the condensing region, mass in the subcooled liquid region and the position of the liquid interface, all as a function of time during a transient. Five ordinary simultaneous differential equations along with several algebraic equations are solved numerically to obtain the behavior during a transient. Sample results are presented for ramp and sinusoidal variations of inlet and exit mass flow rates.