New Methods of Increasing Efficiency of Steam Turbine Plants

Abstract

This paper describes two methods of increasing steam turbine plants efficiency by raising average temperature of heat supply in thermodynamic cycle. In the first method it is proposed to raise maximum temperature of steam in the cycle by mixing steam, exiting from super-heater of boiler, with products of combustion of methane in oxygen. In the second method it is proposed to raise maximum temperature of working substance and to continue heat supply on major part of expansion process in the turbine in order to make it quasi isothermal. This is done by mixing steam, exiting from super-heater of boiler, with products of combustion of hydrogen in oxygen and excess of hydrogen. Combustion of hydrogen during expansion in the turbine due to gradual admixing of oxygen to the working substance will produce heat required for quasi isothermal expansion. Methods yields increase in effective efficiency 7.9 and 18.8% respectively. Repayment term of modified plants will be 3.8 years for first method and 2.8 years for the second. Implementation of either of these methods will result in output of considerable quantities of pure carbon dioxide, which can be utilized or buried thus reducing its release into atmosphere.