Development of Excel VBA-Based Simulation Software for Steam Power Plant (PLTU) for Engineering Applications

Agus Manggala; Yerizam Yerizam; Sahrul  Effendy

doi:10.56862/irajtma.v4i2.232

Authors

Agus Manggala Politeknik Negeri Sriwijaya
Yerizam Yerizam Politeknik Negeri Sriwijaya
Sahrul Effendy Politeknik Negeri Sriwijaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56862/irajtma.v4i2.232

Keywords:

PLTU simulation, Excel VBA, Thermal power plant modeling, Energy efficiency

Abstract

Coal-fired steam power plants (PLTU) remain essential in electricity generation, especially in countries with abundant coal resources. Thermodynamic modeling based on the Rankine cycle is crucial for both educational and design purposes, but commercial software is often costly and less accessible. This study develops a low-cost simulation tool using Microsoft Excel and VBA to model the Rankine cycle in PLTU systems. Users can input operating parameters, calculate thermodynamic properties using IAPWS-IF97 formulations, and evaluate system efficiency through energy balance analysis. The user-friendly interface features real-time efficiency graphs and energy flow diagrams. Validation results show deviations of less than 5% for key parameters, making this tool effective for engineering education, preliminary feasibility studies, and local research in thermal power generation.

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