How to Improve Steam Turbine Efficiency

Steam turbines utilize steam heat to generate kinetic energy.

Steam turbines are energy generators that harvest power by utilizing the heat of steam to move rotary blades. As with any energy generator, 100 percent efficiency is rarely achieved due to such factors as blade friction and varying exit velocities of the steam. Reducing these inhibiting factors and improving overall efficiency will ultimately generate more energy at a lower production cost, resulting in financial savings for those industrial companies dependent upon steam turbines for their power.

Instructions

1. Operate your steam turbine using the given parameters provided by the manufacturer. Extensive testing done by the manufacturer has already determined the optimal numerical values for steam intake pressure, exhaust pressure and steam temperature. Set your turbine to operate at these factors. Find these parameters outlined in the operating manual or by consulting an expert on the manufacturer's service team.

2. Quicken the time by which your steam turbine operates at the manufacturer's recommended parameters upon startup. Increase steam temperature faster to achieve optimal temperature within about one hour of startup.

3. Replace the exhaust pipe by which steam is released from the turbine with one larger in diameter size by approximately 45 percent.

4. Replace any old or rusty turbines with new, pristine blades free of chips or cracks in their metal frames. Any deformities in the blades will slow the rate at which the turbine moves, ultimately lowering efficiency.

5. Replace traditional, one-element metal components with alloy parts, such as Super 304 austenitic alloy, that have the ability to handle higher temperatures of steam without enduring as much wear.

References

• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited: Improve Steam Turbine Efficiency
• 3ds: INSIGHTS Magazine
• Bechtel: Steam Turbine Design Considerations for Supercritical Cycles