Must the cost of steam turbines be higher than the cost of electricity?
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Let’s discuss this from both cost and operational perspectives.
Many large chemical companies these days use steam turbines to power their high-capacity equipment. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this configuration
In my opinion, the turbine that drives the operating equipment functions similarly to a generator; therefore, in terms of this company’s cogeneration system, using steam turbines to directly drive large-scale operating equipment eliminates the step of thermoelectric conversion, which certainly results in energy savings. However, in the case of external power grids, if the cost of self-generated electricity is higher than the external electricity price (due to factors such as coal costs and unit efficiency), there is no energy-saving benefit at all, especially with condensing units. In other words, in this situation, swapping batteries with steam is not a viable option. This comparison can be calculated accurately. Therefore, using steam turbines for drive also involves the issue of adapting to local conditions; one should not simply follow what others do.
I’ve only started off; everyone is welcome to discuss and offer corrections! Thank you first!
Starting and stopping steam turbines is troublesome; it’s more convenient to do so with electric drives
Steam turbines are used as prime movers that consume steam. On the surface, it seems that steam turbines require more energy, but electric motors are more convenient. High-power prime movers often make use of steam turbines, as electric motors cannot achieve such high power levels; moreover, high voltage levels are required, which is also a factor that must be taken into account in terms of investment； It is much more cost-effective to use the excess steam for driving the turbine rather than a motor ；
Using a back-pressure steam turbine to drive large power equipment in place of electric motors, and employing steam as the power source for small-scale applications, results in greater energy savings.
I think the efficiency of the turbine is key; those who have actual operating parameters can use them for comparative calculations. It is meaningful to calculate the main aspects of the performance differences between the two systems, and then take into account the differences in the operating equipment as well. Those in the same field can use this as a reference. Some issues need to be explored in depth; it won’t do to skip that, hehe~ Experts are welcome to join!