Using a heat pump at the complex of energy generation and compressed air production for mining companies

Abstract

A further efficiency upgrading of thermal power plants and boiler units at mining companies is linked to increasing the initial parameters of steam. Modern power units can work with an efficiency of 55-58%. However, it is possible to make a review of additional possibilities of heat utilization at a thermal power station. It is quite possible to increase the efficiency by 2-3% more due to the heat regeneration both in this cycle and in the water treatment units. A technology has been developed that combines the ORC and the cycle of compressed air production in a single power engineering system using an improved thermal-transformer, specifically, a refrigeration-heating machine what works in thermal networks of a thermal power station. In addition, from a practical point of view, it is shown that the efficiency of thermal power plant can be improved in comparison with standard schemes. Use of heat pumps beyond heating systems of private houses is becoming increasingly common in centralized heating systems and with feed water of thermal power plants. It significantly reduces the cost of heat and electricity production. Besides, solar collectors can integrate very well into the technological scheme of heating network water at the thermal power plant.