Back-pressure steam turbines consume a great deal of electrical energy during operation in power plants, so there is considerable room for development in energy conservation and emission reduction in power plants. So, how can back-pressure steam turbines achieve energy savings and emission reductions when operating in power plants? Let’s find out together next.
【Causes of Energy Consumption in Backpressure Steam Turbines at Power Plants】
(1) The back-pressure steam turbine is a key piece of equipment in power plants for generating electricity. Its overall structure is highly complex, and while it operates with high efficiency, it is relatively susceptible to the influence of various other factors—such as exhaust condensation—during operation. All these factors combined lead to increased energy consumption in the operation of back-pressure steam turbines.
(2) During operation, improper handling of back-pressure turbines leads to changes in various components within the turbine. Such abnormal operation can cause overloading, thereby increasing the energy consumption of the back-pressure turbine. Additionally, continuously switching the turbine on and off during use is also one of the reasons for high energy consumption.
[Energy-Saving and Emission-Reduction Measures for Backpressure Steam Turbines in Power Plants]
(1) Over the past two decades or so, China has been focusing on scientific research into advanced technologies for power plants. Although significant achievements have already been made compared to earlier times, these still fall short of optimal results. Therefore, China should learn from overseas technological advancements—discarding the dross and retaining the best elements—and selectively adopt their strengths for application in Chinese power plants. Moreover, it would be wise to start by piloting these technologies in several large, rapidly growing power plants. If the results prove highly effective, such technologies can then be widely promoted. This approach will accelerate the development of back-pressure steam turbines for energy conservation and emission reduction in China’s power industry.
(2) Power plants must also carry out relative reforms and innovations in their management approaches and scope for employees. For those employees who routinely show lax organizational discipline and fail to work diligently, strict penalties should be imposed. In addition, dedicated personnel should be assigned to conduct thorough inspections of the safety conditions and proper functioning of equipment within the plant premises. Employees found using unauthorized machinery or arbitrarily switching equipment on and off without following established procedures should receive appropriate education and training. Only by doing so can we enhance employee motivation, extend the service life of equipment, and simultaneously ensure energy conservation and emission reduction.
(3) For power plant employees, it is essential to uniformly enhance their professional competence. Current employees should participate in regular training sessions to understand the benefits of energy conservation and emission reduction—both for the nation, our plant, and themselves. By being constantly exposed to these issues, employees will naturally become more attentive and concerned about energy conservation and emission reduction challenges. For newly hired personnel, the assessment criteria have been strengthened, with energy conservation and emission reduction issues related to back-pressure turbines designated as a particularly critical component of the evaluation process.
(4) The state should increase its efforts in cultivating outstanding talent in energy conservation and emission reduction at universities and colleges. Some Chinese people have not yet fully realized the benefits of energy conservation and emission reduction; therefore, it is crucial to focus on nurturing such talented individuals at higher education institutions, ensuring that in the future a greater number of skilled professionals in these fields will be available to work in power plants and make significant contributions to the development of China’s power industry.
