How does a reheat Rankine cycle improve plant performance?

• A. By reducing heat losses
• B. By lowering condenser pressure
• C. By increasing turbine efficiency and reducing moisture content at turbine exit
• D. By increasing boiler pressure

Answer: (C)

Reheating between turbine stages keeps the steam hot during expansion, so the second stage expands a drier, higher-quality steam. This raises the average temperature at which heat is added to the cycle, which improves the cycle’s thermal efficiency. The higher-quality steam at the turbine exit also reduces moisture-related losses and blade erosion, allowing the turbine to operate more efficiently and with greater power for the same boiler conditions. In short, reheating boosts overall turbine efficiency and reduces moisture at the exit, which is why it improves plant performance.