Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost-Saver for Gas-Based Power Plants

Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost-Saver for Gas-Based Power Plants

Dec 15, 2026
9 min read
Power Generation

Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost - Saver for Gas - Based Power Plants


Quick Links: TIAC Solutions | Auxiliary Cooling | District Cooling | Consult Experts


For gas - based power plants, nearly 50 % of fuel energy escapes as waste heat. Exhaust - fired vapor absorption machines(VAM) turn this waste into a strategic asset, improving efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering parasitic loads.

The Technology: Direct Exhaust Integration

BROAD's exhaust-fired VAMs integrate directly into the turbine or engine exhaust stream (450-550°C). Unlike intermediate steam systems, this direct approach maximizes efficiency, achieving a COP of 1.2-1.3.


Application 1: Turbine Inlet Air Cooling(TIAC)

Gas turbines lose efficiency in heat—derating by ~0.7 % for every 1°C rise in inlet temperature.TIAC uses exhaust heat to cool intake air, restoring power output when it's valued most.

Example: 50 MW Gas Turbine + BROAD TIAC
  • Action: Cool inlet air from 45°C to 15°C.
  • Result: Recover 5-7 MW lost capacity on hot days.
  • Financials: ₹4-6 Crores added annual revenue.
  • Payback: 2-3 Years.

Application 2: Plant Auxiliary Cooling

Replacing electric chillers(used for control rooms / offices) with exhaust - fired VAMs reduces parasitic load, increasing net sellable power.

Impact(200 MW Plant):
  • Avoids 560 kW parasitic load(800 TR cooling).
  • Saves ₹2.45 Crores annually.
  • Payback: 4 - 5 years(plus grid stability benefits).

Application 3: District & Process Cooling

Power plants can become "Trigeneration" hubs, supplying electricity, steam, and cooling to adjacent industrial zones or residential campuses.

Cogeneration Example(100 MW Plant):
  • 1, 500 TR Process Cooling from Turbine Exhaust.
  • Displaces 1 MW electric load.
  • Total Benefit: ₹7.86 Crores / Year. Payback: <3 Years.

Head - to - Head: Exhaust - Fired VAM vs.Electric Chiller

Metric(1,000 TR) Electric Chiller BROAD Exhaust VAM
CAPEX ₹6 - 7 Crores ₹12 - 15 Crores
Annual Op.Cost ₹3.5 Crores(Lost Revenue) ~₹0.2 Crores(Auxiliaries)
Net Plant Efficiency Reduces by ~1 % Improves by ~0.5 - 1 %

Why BROAD for Power Plants ?

  • High - Temp Expertise: Proven designs for 450-550°C exhaust.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Materials withstand exhaust condensate.
  • Load Following: Controls adjust to fluctuating turbine loads automatically.
  • Scalability: Modular units from 100 TR to 1,500 TR.

⭐ Enhance Plant Efficiency Today

Transform waste heat into capacity.Contact BROAD for a feasibility analysis.

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BROAD Air Conditioning India Pvt. Ltd. (BROAD India) is a subsidiary of BROAD Group.

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Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost-Saver for Gas-Based Power Plants