An approach to configure optimal cogeneration system between existing steam headers of an industry

Traditionally, steam-based cogeneration systems have been added to industrial applications as topping cycle or bottoming cycle configurations. Such systems frequently require that pressure or steam flow handling capacity of one or more existing steam headers be enhanced. The aim of this work is to suggest a new type of cogeneration system configuration (referred to as the closed-loop configuration) that essentially avoids any such requirement of capacity enhancement.

Considerable difference in enthalpy between existing steam headers is a feature commonly observed in large industrial setups. Transfer of steam between two such headers can be configured so as to cogenerate significant quantities of electric power, that may either be used in-plant or may be sold to local utilities at an appropriate price. This paper presents a design approach to optimally configure such cogeneration systems. Case studies illustrate application of the design approach to benchmark oil refinery plants. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.