Energy Saving in Operating Steam Power Plants Based on ASME Performance Test Codes

The purpose of this paper is to show how the ASME performance test codes can be used as a low cost and efficient tool for energy survey in order to reduce fuel and power consumptions in operating steam power plants. In this regard, A 1000 MW steam power plant was selected and many studies were performed to evaluate the possibility and effects of performing such tests on this power plant. The results show that many of the instruments of this plant are suitable for the desired purpose and the tests can be applied for achieving energy saving. Also, the results show that the natural gas and heavy oil fuel consumptions have increased around 10 and 8.3 percent, respectively, relative to the design conditions of this plant and at least half of these increases can be reduced by proper adjustments of control devices and simple repairs.