Performance analysis of a condensation-extraction steam turbine operating in a sugar-alcohol factory cogeneration system

In this work a thermodynamic analysis for a condensation-extraction steam turbine capable of driving a 40 MVA electric generator in a sugar-alcohol factory was carried out. Sensibility analyses were performed to evaluate the behavior of the overall energy efficiency of a plant with the condensation-extraction steam turbine in function of the boiler efficiency, the specific consumption of steam in the processes as well as the condensation rate in the turbine. The analysis results have shown that this turbine in the cogeneration system contribute to increasing the power generation, although the condensation reduces the overall efficiency of the plant. It has also been observed that the plant efficiency is very sensitive to the condensation rate variation and increases with the demand for steam in the processes.