Evaluation of Process and Economic Feasibility of Implementing a Topping Cycle Cogeneration

Industrial applications that require steam for their end-use generally utilize boilers are typically oversized, citing operations flexibility. Similarly, gas turbine-based power plants corroborate a turbine system may eventually relieve the usable exhaust into atmosphere. This study explores economic and technical feasibility of topping cycle combined heat (CHP) system. It does so by leveraging partially loaded boiler or increasing its unused load to generate subsequent usage. To this end, decision support tool (COGENTEC) was developed, which emulates given facility’s gas-turbine system, operational parameters with application turbines. The provides necessary insights most appropriate enable CHP be technically economically advantageous. Based on input variables such as boiler-rated capacity, pressure, temperature, existing load, among others, COGENTEC designs inform user whether is feasible in facility not. If applicable, assists realize point break-even (fuel cost incurred savings) at desired flow rate. also conducts sensitivity analyses between energy usage, savings, payback investment operating understand relationship relevant variables. By utilizing from pulp paper manufacturing facility, research determines fuel cost, electricity rate important desirable investment.