Assessing the use of thermal energy in an internal combustion engines power plant
Abstract
The thermoelectric plant, the subject of this study, currently lacks a system for assessing thermal energy use during different operating modes or in response to technological changes, hindering the systematic control of energy performance and the utilization of thermal energy recovery potential. The objective of this research is to determine the efficiency of thermal energy recovery through energy analysis and heat integration. The energy review applies energy use analysis methods based on the ISO 50001 standard and heat integration, using aspen energy analyzer software. Steam generation satisfies the process duties, requiring only 16,39% water replacement, with a potential savings of 1016,21CUP due to the elimination of heat losses associated with leaks and insulation. As a result of the energy use analysis, five energy performance indicators, not currently reported by this entity, are defined. These indicators contribute to establishing an energy baseline for the systematic measurement of thermal efficiency. Through the exchange of water and combustion gases, 100% of the thermal energy is recovered in the recovery boiler, with a minimum steam service requirement that constitutes 28,57% of the current total thermal power with a value of 0,7 MW
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