(1) Heat loss up through the stack. (Boiler exhaust gasses).

(2) Heat loss in the condenser. (Turbine steam exhaust cooling).

Regards JD.

(3) Heat loss everywhere.

SOLUTION - Insulate

Thank you for your reply. Do u have any idea or reference that might be useful to further the research?

Have a look at this handbook:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/pdfs/steamhandbook.pdf

And look around the DOE website for other information

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/techpubs_steam.html

Thank you guys...

This is highly appreciated...

More power...

Once steam is produced the largest steam losses (besides leaks) is a result of inadequate removal of the condensate present in the steam lines. Working with a qualified technician, using the latest Venturi steam trap technology, these losses can be permanently minimized. Further information available at www.nataleenterprises.com

The efficiency curve for a coal fired power plant would look something like this parabolic curve (give or take one order of magnitude):

y=0.009 x^2 + 5 x + 630

Where: y=net megawatts output

x=MMBtu/hr heat input

Major points of heat rate improvement might include: 3D turbine blade designs, improved turbine steam seals, boiler slag removal, increased convection pass surface area, air heater seals, boiler lagging/insulation, ambient air leaks, process optimization (temp & pressure, heat exchanger level control, fuel/air tuning & NOX control), reduced auxiliary costs (station power, house air, steam heating, pumping losses, etc.), cooling tower improvements.