Generators and turbogenerators

A further enhancement to the HRS process whereby the exhaust from a gas fired turbine is used to superheat steam from the HRS process is also possible (129). The superheated steam is then fed through a turbogenerator to produce additional electricity. This increases the efficiency of heat recovery of the turbine exhaust gas. With this arrangement, electric power generation of over 13.6 kW for 1 t/d (15 kW/STPD) is possible. Good general discussions on the sources of heat and the energy balance within a sulfuric acid plant are available (130,131). 

The turbogenerator speed must be maintained within narrow limits if it is to generate power acceptably and the control system must be capable of preventing over-speed upon sudden loss of load. For this latter requirement, fastacting valves are necessary with full modulation within 0.5 s. The security of the turbine is also dependent upon the lubrication of its bearings, and it will be found that the control systems are closely linked with the various lubricating systems (turbine, gearbox and alternator). 

The existing boilers in the sugar mill are two 54 toimes/hr bagasse-fuelled boilers, each capable of generating 100 tonnes/hr at 22 bar, 300 C, and, apart from the mechanical drives in the mill, a 3 300 kW turbogenerator. 

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