Abstract
Water and energy are sources to fulfill the essential needs of human life for their livelihood. Currently, steam-based power plants utilize water sources such as rivers and lakes. In India, the consumption of water by industries is about 9% of the total, of which power generation sector utilizes 88% of the share. This study examines the quantitative and qualitative analysis of water consumption in power plants to determine the energy losses and water conservation opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle water. A typical water audit case study was carried out at specific coal-based Super Thermal Power Station (STPS) in India. The STPS chosen for the study has a commissioned capacity of 3000 MW having three stages of 1 GW each with a total of 6 units having 500 MW each. The present study includes the analysis of overall specific consumption of the plant, ash–water ratio, and cycles of concentration along with the blowdown water quantity along with other water losses. Also, exergy analysis of main water pumps is included, which is ranging from 46 to 67% for Stage-I. Based on the flow and power measurements and overall review of water consumption in the plant water and energy conservation opportunities are suggested which can yield savings up to INR 725.43 lakhs per annum INR (Indian Rupees) with an investment of INR 457 lakhs per annum expecting the payback period to be within a year.
Published Version
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