Thermodynamic Comparison of the Steam Ejectors Integrated at Different Locations in Cogeneration Systems

Abstract

Under the challenge of global energy transition, coal-fired cogeneration systems are undergoing a technical revolution towards enhanced efficiency, heating capacity, and flexibility. In this paper, four schemes using a steam ejector integrated into a cogeneration system are designed. Considering operational safety, integrated locations are selected at the front and back of high- and medium-pressure turbines. Subsequently, the thermodynamic and operational characteristics under both design and off-design conditions are analyzed based on a model built in EBSILON Professional. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the heating process is conducted. The results show that the integration of steam ejectors can increase the waste heat recovery ratio of exhaust steam by 18.42–45.61% under design conditions. The largest waste heat recovery ratio is obtained in System 4, resulting in the power generation efficiency (ηg) and gross energy utilization efficiency (ηp) of 81.95% and 65.53%, respectively. Meanwhile, the steam ejector can expand the power-load regulation range of the cogeneration system, and System 4 has the lowest lower power limit among all the systems. The ηp values of Systems 1–4 reach extreme values at different mixed steam pressures of the ejector. Increasing the pinch point temperature difference reduces the power load ηg and ηp of Systems 1–4. The results provide technical solutions for improving the heating capacity and efficient and flexible operation of cogeneration systems.