The Prospects of the Steam Cycle in the Central Power Station

Abstract

The advent of the gas turbine and its effect on the position of the steam turbine for the central power station is briefly discussed. In the opinion of the author the steam turbine will hold the field for large power generation for many years to come, and there is no immediate prospect of any other form of prime mover becoming a serious competitor for the generation of electricity in the central power station. Data are given indicating the gain in thermal efficiency that can be expected from increased steam conditions up to 2,000 lb. per sq. in., and 1,000 deg. F. with and without reheating. The advantages of reheating as a means of obtaining higher efficiency are strongly emphasized. Methods of operation to enable quick starting are discussed. Some of the principal constructional problems created by high steam conditions are briefly discussed and methods of overcoming the difficulties are indicated. The essence of the paper is to examine, in as simple a manner as possible, the means available for improving the efficiency of the central power station; and in an effort to achieve this, detailed methods of calculation are not included, as it is considered they would detract from a clear appreciation of the results. The minimum of assumptions have been made, so that the curves represent a true picture of the actual gains that could be obtained in practice.