Thermodynamic modeling and optimization of multi-pressure heat recovery steam generator in combined power cycle

Optimum configuration for single pressure (SP), dual pressure (DP) and triple pressure (TP) heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is presented to improve heat recovery and thereby exergy efficiency of combined cycle. Deaerator was added to enhance efficiency and remove dissolved gases in feed water. A new method was introduced to evaluate low pressure (LP)and intermediate pressure (IP) in HRSG from local flue gas temperature to get minimum possible temperature difference in heaters instead of a Usual fixation of pressures. Optimum location for deaerator was found at 1, 3 and 5 bar respectively for SP. DP and TP,in heat recovery at a high pressure (HP) of 200 bar. Results also showed optimum pressure for air compression and steam reheater by means of three categories of heat recovery.