An Energy-Efficient Electric Plant for Hot Steam and Water Supply of Agricultural Enterprises

Abstract

The efficiency of electric energy use in the thermal technological processes of agricultural production can be significantly increased by using it during a period of reduced rate. The design features of an energy-efficient electric storage unit for steam and hot water supply of the agricultural facilities are considered. The electric plant includes a storage water heater, steam generator, section of steam superheating to a temperature of 140°C, control cabinet, and stop and safety valves. When heating the heat medium in all units of the plant, an indirect electric heating method was applied. A method of calculation of the electrical, thermal energy, and structural parameters is proposed. The results of physical modeling of the processes of heat transfer between the electric heater and heat medium are presented, and they are described mathematically. The dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the specific surface power of the heaters when water boils in a large volume for the installed structure of the electric steam generator is obtained. The dynamics of the convective heat transfer between the electric heater and steal flow is studied. The economic efficiency of use of the storage electric plant is demonstrated, and it is shown in practical use.