Elimination of feedwater heaters in steam turbines: Prospects for substantial energy savings

This paper re-proposes the theory that thermal regeneration (RT) in steam turbine plants decreases thermodynamic efficiency. This theory is supported by the criterion of maximization of variation of exergy in the steam generator (CMVEG) and by an mathematical argumentation based on the first law of thermodynamics. Consequences of great importance are deduced: plant operating costs reductions and a new possibility for cogeneration, that indicates exceptional advantages for the whole power industry, since steam turbine plants are responsible for the greater part of global electric power production