Fast payback on steam turbine cogeneration systems makes this power source an attractive option across numerous industries. This is according to Leandro Magro, manager steam turbines at Zest WEG Group, who explains that any industry with a boiler installed has a potential for cogeneration using a steam turbine. “The electricity cost savings usually pay back the investment in less than three years, but this payback period can be further reduced depending on the applicable electricity price tariff in effect,” he adds.
Power plants, sugar mills, pulp and paper mills, steel mills, oil and gas installations, food and beverage manufacturing operations and many other industries, including commercial and institutional facilities use steam turbines for electricity production or to drive mechanical equipment such as compressors, fans, mills and blowers.
When used for the production of electricity, the steam turbine is coupled to a generator set. Magro says that typically, industrial steam turbine models start from a 30 kW capacity and go up to 150 MW. “These turbines can operate at a very low steam pressure (5 bar or less), or at high pressure up to 140 bar, using saturated or superheated steam at temperatures up to 540°C,” he says.
“The operational availability of an industrial steam turbine should be about 98%, however a proper maintenance programme is essential not only for prolonging the life of the equipment, but also to ensure the correct operation of the turbine,” says Magro.
The best way to achieve this is to enter into a service contract with the OEM who will recommend an appropriate maintenance and service programme. A new steam turbo-generator set could be installed in the plant to operate in parallel with the pressure reducing valve, so when maintenance is required on either, the processes that require steam would not need to be stopped.
“Steam turbine cogeneration is not only suitable for large installations, but can play a vital role in medium and small applications, saving the end-user a significant amount in energy costs over the expected life span of the system which, depending on the design, can vary from 20 to 30 years,” Magro concludes.
Setting new standards in dry-type transformer technology
Electrical Power & Protection
Dry-type transformer technology is gaining ground globally, and leading the charge in Africa is Trafo Power Solutions, in partnership with Italian manufacturer, TMC Transformers.
Read more...Advanced process control for the IRP Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
One of the main challenges in implementing South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan is ensuring grid stability while integrating renewable energy sources and balancing fluctuating energy demands. Advanced process control can play an important role.
Read more...Revolutionising fault location and maximising solar production Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has on offer the Fluke GFL-1500 solar ground fault locator, a frontline troubleshooting tool that helps technicians pinpoint active ground faults in solar photovoltaic systems.
Read more...Supporting the AI boom with power architecture
Electrical Power & Protection
Hitachi Energy is supporting the 800 VDC power architecture announced by Nvidia, by developing a cleaner, more efficient way to power the next generation of AI infrastructure.
Read more...Kyocera releases new stacked capacitors
Electrical Power & Protection
Kyocera AVX has released the new KGP Series commercial-grade stacked capacitors for high-frequency applications in the industrial and downhole oil and gas industries.
Read more...More sustainable tyres
Electrical Power & Protection
Continental is prioritising the use of renewable and recycled materials in its tyre production
Read more...ABB drives rail modernisation and EV growth in South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s work in Africa in low- and medium-voltage infrastructure, safety-critical components and electrification puts it at the heart of accomplishing the Southern African Railways Association’s strategy.
Read more...Hitachi Energy’s power quality solution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hitachi Energy has announced the deployment of its power quality solution to connect Tanzania’s leading gold producer, Geita Gold Mine (GGML) securely to the national grid.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version