Method for Evaluating the Steam Turbines Operating Efficiency

The paper considers a method for the evaluation of the power plant steam turbines operating modes efficiency. The efficiency is evaluated by comparing the specific heat rate for power generation in the reporting period with a similar indicator in the reference period reduced to the reporting period by key influencing parameters. A specific feature of the analyzed method is the reliable consideration of external influencing factors for obtaining the efficiency evaluation under compatible conditions. In particular, such external factors include the characteristics of steam, feed water, heat rate for turbine heat extraction and cleaning mode of the turbine condenser. The impact of the condenser cleaning mode on the efficiency of the turbine operating mode is considered based on the data clustering. The Affinity Propagation method has been selected for data clustering, as its special feature is working with the variable sizes and form of clusters. The efficiency evaluation with a crew-by-crew breakdown of the results allows introducing a competitive feature between the crews (operating personnel), which, in turn, will benefit from the improved efficiency of the operating modes of steam turbines. An example of evaluation based on statistical operating data for power plant turbine showing the leader among the crews according to the considered performance indicator is given. The considered method is implemented in the automated power plant energy efficiency management system, which is overviewed in the article.