On the Application of Small-Scale Turbines in Industrial Steam Networks

This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of replacing throttling valves with smale-scale, oil-free turbomachinery in industrial steam networks. is done from perspective turbomachine, which has to be integrated into a new or existing process. The considered machines have power range P=[0.5,…,250 kW] been designed using real data processes. Design guidelines are developed, take account thermodynamic process as well engineering aspects such turbomachine. results suggest that conditioning prior heat exchange could completed by small expanders produce mechanical work, reducing exergy destruction improving site-wide energy efficiency compared valves. Cost estimates for presented, serve basis case-specific investment calculations. resulting payback times less than 18 months highlight potential solutions.