Small and Medium Sized Gas Turbines for CHP: An Option to Improve Energy Efficiency of the Industrial Sector

Panel: Panel 3: Energy Efficiency options for industry

Authors:
Walter Cariani, ENEA - Energy Department - Division Promotion of Efficient Use of Energy
Rino Romani, ENEA - Energy Department - Division Promotion of Efficient Use of Energy
Sigfrido Vignati, ENEA - Energy Department - Division Promotion of Efficient Use of Energy

Abstract

Results of a survey focussed on more important operational parameters of gas-turbine CHP plants working in the Italian industrial sector are presented.

Industry energy consumption in Italy, as in the most of other developed countries, is about one third of the total consumption. Several different energy options are available to improve the efficiency with which energy is used in the industry sector. Nevertheless, the actual market penetration of those technologies has been hindered by legal, institutional, financial and technical barriers.

Laws n.9/91 and 10/91 and following Decree CIP 6/92 have promoted the utilisation of cogeneration technologies by independent producers. From 1991 to 1995, in Italy, the independent production has increased about 50%.
In the above mentioned increase, gas turbines have played a major role with respect steam turbines and Otto and Diesel cycle engines, as a consequence of their high electric efficiency, improved availability along with low production costs.

The paper describes the Italian situation in the sector, focusing on gas turbines plants with nominal power less than 30 MWe. After an overview of recent regulations affecting energy production, main findings of an energy audit campaign carried out in the industry sector are presented, with an indication of the potential market of cogeneration technology. Finally the results of a survey aimed to identify technical problems regarding the construction and operation phases of gas turbines in different industrial branches are discussed.