Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost-Saver for Gas-Based Power Plants
Exhaust Fired VAM: The Hidden Cost - Saver for Gas - Based Power Plants
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For gas - based power plants, nearly 50 % of fuel energy escapes as waste heat. Exhaust - fired vapour 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 heatderating 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Transform waste heat into capacity.Contact BROAD for a feasibility analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vapour Absorption Chiller?
Can BROAD chillers run on waste heat?
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Need Help With Your Cooling System?
BROAD India's engineering team can assess your facility's cooling requirements and recommend the most energy-efficient solution - from vapour absorption chillers to waste heat recovery systems.