Sliding Back Pressure Control in Industrial CHP Plants

Abstract Operational characteristics and efficiency of the generation of electricity in combined heat and power (CHP) plants are discussed. CHP power plants produce both electric and heat power and the amount of the electric power can be adjusted by sliding the backpressure level in steam headers. The minimum back pressure level giving the maximum electric power output is detected by monitoring the positions of the load control valves in the steam consuming processes. Dynamic sliding of the backpressure level is carried out by a cascade control structure. The control structure is demonstrated in a simulator environment.