Investigation of Feasibility of Modernizing Make-Up Water Heating System at Combined Heat and Power Plant Using Computational Model

Abstract

The paper presents an approach for assessing the feasibility of modernizing water heating systems at district heating facilities through the utilization of return district heating water as a low-grade heat source. A combined heat and power (CHP) plant was selected as the case study, where district heating make-up water is currently heated in steam-to-water heat exchangers. The operational characteristics of the existing water heating system that affect thermal and electrical energy consumption, as well as the performance of cogeneration equipment, are analyzed. A computational model is developed that includes the calculation of thermal and electrical energy consumption for auxiliary services, electricity generation in the cogeneration cycle, operating parameters of the proposed water heating system, and the resulting techno-economic performance indicators of the CHP plant. The general computational framework is presented together with the set of input data required for the calculations. The proposed model enables the prediction of the energy-saving potential associated with modernization measures and provides a quantitative assessment of their impact on plant performance. The obtained results can be applied to support engineering decisions aimed at improving the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of district heating facilities.